NGT Notice to Volkswagen over Emissions

New Delhi, Dec 14 (IANS) The National Green Tribunal on Monday sought the response from the central government and German automobile giant Volkswagen on a plea by Delhi residents seeking a ban on the sale of its vehicles for alleged violation of emission norms.

This decision was taken by an NGT bench headed by chairperson Justice (retd.) Swatanter Kumar.

The bench had issued notices to the heavy industries and public enterprises ministry, the Volkswagen group, the Central Pollution Control Board, as well as the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI).

The parties were directed to respond to the notices by December 23.

This plea was filed by Delhi residents Satvinder Singh Sodhi and others, alleging that the company was polluting environment by selling vehicles which breach emission limits.

Last week, Volkswagen had recalled over a 3 lakh of its Indian vehicles after allegations that its cars have an emission "defeat device", the charges which the company denied.