The Supreme Court has rejected a public interest litigation (PIL) that challenged the implementation of 20% Ethanol-Blended Petrol (E20) across the country.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran delivered the verdict after the Central government defended the E20 rollout, stating that the initiative supports sugarcane farmers. The Centre also questioned the credentials of the petitioner, advocate Akshay Malhotra, according to a report by Bar and Bench.
“Dismissed,” the top court said briefly while rejecting the plea.
The petition argued that vehicles manufactured in India before April 2023 are not compatible with petrol containing 20% ethanol. It also claimed that even BS-VI-compliant vehicles less than two years old may not be suited for E20 fuel.
Senior advocate Shadan Farasat, appearing for the petitioner, maintained that while the E20 initiative is not opposed in principle, consumers should be given a choice.
“We are not against E20, but people should have the option to choose. At least inform consumers about what they are filling. Some vehicles cannot tolerate E20 — only those made after April 2023 can handle it,” Farasat told the court.
He further stressed that while E20 represents a logical advancement in fuel policy, the current fleet of vehicles has not yet caught up in terms of compatibility and engine calibration.
“The issue is the non-availability of E10 petrol for existing vehicle owners. That is what we are challenging. We want alternatives. We do not want E20 to be withdrawn, just options provided,” he added.
According to the legal news portal, Live Law, Attorney General for India R Venkataramani, opposed the petition, saying that the petitioner was only a “name-lender” and that there was a huge lobby behind him. He asserted that the Government has framed the policy after considering all aspects. AG said that the policy was benefiting India’s sugarcane farmers “Will people outside the country dictate what kind of fuel India should use?”.
