The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Wednesday directed German automobile major Volkswagen not to sell any diesel vehicles fitted with a “cheat device” in India. The green panel also sought an undertaking from Volkswagen by January 11, saying that it would sell only vehicles which comply with all emission norms.
Volkswagen may face penal action for violating emission regulations, the Ministry of Heavy Industries told the tribunal on Wednesday.
An affidavit filed by the Ministry of Heavy Industries before a bench of Justice U. D. Salvi noted that it had: “directed Volkswagen to initiate vehicle recall in India”.
The bench noted that they did “see gravity of the matter”.
“You should not sell cars with defeat device and which are not compliant. Let Volkswagen give an undertaking that it would not sell any vehicle in India fitted with ‘cheat device’,” the bench maintained.
The tribunal has also directed the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) to present an investigation report by February 4, which is the next date of hearing.
Reacting to the NGT’s order, Volkswagen said in a statement that its cars are not fitted with any “cheat device” and do not violate the Bharat Stage IV emission norms.
Volkswagen had earlier said that they will recall all affected vehicles, which were estimated to be around 3.2 lakh in India.
The green panel has also sought an undertaking from the
car-maker by January 11
