A Delhi resident’s frustration over the city’s vehicle scrappage policy has sparked a heated debate online. Rattan Dhillon, a social media user, publicly criticized the government after his father’s 16-year-old Mercedes E280 V6 was deemed “vintage scrap” under the new policy.
Sharing pictures and praise for the luxury sedan, Dhillon posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“This is my dad’s 16-year-old Mercedes E280 V6, still running stronger and cleaner than most so-called modern cars… Zero pollution, zero nonsense.”
But, he added bitterly,
“I have to label it ‘vintage scrap’ just because we live in a country where politicians have zero love for cars!”
The post quickly went viral, drawing both support and criticism. Many users sympathized, calling the rule “outrageous” and questioning the environmental logic behind scrapping well-maintained, low-emission vehicles.
“Cars are not just machines. They are memories,” wrote one user, while another added, “This model has been my dream car since I was a student. What a timeless design!”
Some even questioned the waste generated from scrapping functional vehicles.
“Have they prepared for the waste it’s gonna generate by junking these cars?” asked one user. Another called it a move to extract unfair taxes.
However, not all were on Dhillon’s side. Critics reminded him that the policy is not new and has gone through legal and judicial processes.
“Why didn’t you challenge the NGT in 2014? Or the Supreme Court in 2018?” one user asked. Others bluntly stated:
“Rules won’t be changed just because your dad owns a Mercedes. Follow them or move where there are no rules.”
What Does Delhi’s Vehicle Scrappage Policy Say?
Enforced from July 1, 2025, the policy bans:
•Diesel vehicles older than 10 years
•Petrol vehicles older than 15 years
Such vehicles are deregistered, cannot be refueled, and must be scrapped or converted to electric. Violators risk their vehicles being seized and destroyed.
Owners may obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to relocate their vehicles outside Delhi-NCR or submit a written assurance that the vehicle won’t be used within the region.
While the law aims to reduce pollution, incidents like Dhillon’s highlight the ongoing conflict between regulation and individual ownership rights especially for car lovers and vintage vehicle custodians.
With climate action and sustainable urban planning in focus, Delhi’s tough stance continues, even as the emotional cost of losing beloved vehicles becomes a public talking point.