NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday rejected a public interest litigation (PIL) against 20% blending of ethanol in Petrol.
A Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran passed the order after the Central government opposed the plea and claimed that E20 fuel benefits sugarcane farmers.
The government also questioned the credentials of the petitioner.
“Dismissed,” the Court said rejecting the plea.
The petition was filed by advocate Akshay Malhotra.
According to the petitioner, vehicles manufactured in India prior to April 2023 are not compatible with ethanol mix petrol and vehicles as recent as 2 years old, though BS-VI compliant, are also not compatible with ethanol mixed petrol wherein the percentage of ethanol is twenty percent.
Senior Advocate Shadan Farasat, appearing for the petitioner, submitted that consumers have to be given an option to choose non-E20 fuel.
“We have to be given an option what we want. We are not against E20 but at least let the supply persons inform that it is so. Some vehicles are not compliant with the same. Only vehicles which have come post April 2023 can tolerate E20,” he argued.
While he conceded that E20 is a logical progression as far as fuel is concerned, most vehicles today are not compatible with the same.
“E20 is logical progression but cars need to be made compatible along with engine calibration. Non-availability of E10 petrol for existing customers is what we are challenging. We want options. We do not want E20 to go,” Farasat said.
“This petitioner is an Englander (sic). Somebody from outside will dictate what petrol to use. Sugarcane farmers are benefitting from this. Now they will tell us don’t,” Attorney General R Venkataramani told the Court on behalf of the government.
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