The Supreme Court recently suggested that the Union government consider a phased ban on high-end petrol and diesel cars to encourage wider use of electric vehicles (EVs).

The suggestion came during a hearing of a public interest litigation filed by the Centre for Public Interest Litigation, represented by advocate Prashant Bhushan. The petition seeks enforcement of existing government policies meant to promote the purchase and use of EVs.

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi, hearing the matter on November 13, 2025, said the first restrictions could be placed on premium internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles often used by VIPs and large companies.

Justice Kant noted that bigger electric cars are now available and can offer similar convenience. He said a phased ban on these luxury models would impact only a small, wealthy group and would not affect the general population.

The bench also suggested pilot projects in major metropolitan cities to speed up the transition from ICE vehicles to EVs. The judges said that as EV use increases, the demand for charging stations will also rise, encouraging fuel stations and transport hubs to install chargers.

Attorney General R. Venkataramani informed the Court that 13 ministries are involved in work related to EV promotion and infrastructure. He said the Centre would file a consolidated status report listing all policy notifications and the progress made so far, including under frameworks such as the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan.

The bench asked whether current EV policies, some of which are more than five years old, need to be reviewed. It called for a fresh look at the existing policy framework and said it would examine the government's detailed report at the next hearing in four weeks.

If adopted, the proposal could make luxury petrol and diesel cars the first group targeted in India's shift toward electric mobility.