- SC slams FADA for violating BS4 relaxation directive
- 2.55 lakh vehicles were sold during the extension
- 1.05 lakh units were allowed to be sold and registered
The Supreme Court slammed FADA (Federation of Automobile Dealers Association) for selling more than the permitted number of BS4 vehicles during the BS6 deadline extension period.
The new BS6 emission norms came into effect on 1 April 2020. After this date, sales and registration of BS4-compliant vehicles were supposed to be stopped in the country. However, considering the nationwide lockdown imposed on 25 March to contain the spread of COVID-19 virus, the Supreme Court had granted a deadline extension of 10 days after the end of lockdown. During this period, SC had permitted sales of 10 per cent of the unsold BS4 inventory left with dealers in India (excluding Delhi NCR).
Considering the total number of unsold BS4 vehicles across nation, maximum of 1.05 lakh units were supposed to be sold and registered during the extension. However, records show that the numbers went well over the set limit and 2.55 lakh vehicles were sold during the relaxation period. Expressing fury over this flout by dealers, SC has sought the details of sold and registered vehicles from FADA and Centre.
While brands like Royal Enfield had cleared BS4 stocks before the deadline, a few manufacturers like Hero and Honda still have BS4 two-wheelers left unsold with their dealers in some regions.