The Supreme Court has made it clear that vehicles without valid insurance will not get petrol or diesel at fuel pumps. The bench issued the strict order while hearing an accident-related case. It also asked the government to launch a pilot project for this rule without delay.
No Insurance, No Fuel Rule Must Be Enforced
The bench said the rule has to be implemented on the ground. Justice Karol told the Centre that it must enforce the no-insurance, no-fuel rule. The court expressed concern over the large number of vehicles running without third-party insurance.
Oil marketing companies will now hold meetings with fuel dealers for this purpose. The court also directed the Centre to submit a concrete proposal with a timeline. The proposal must show how the August 4 directions will be followed.
Pilot Project at Petrol Pumps Ordered
On August 4, the Supreme Court issued several directions on mandatory insurance. It ordered automatic number plate recognition cameras to be linked with the Insurance Information Bureau database. The cameras on highways and roads will check insurance status automatically.
The court suggested linking fuel supply with valid insurance at petrol pumps. It directed the government and the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority to start a pilot project. Under the plan, pumps will refuse fuel to vehicles without valid coverage.
56 Percent Vehicles on Indian Roads Uninsured
The court noted that a huge number of vehicles run without insurance in India. About 56 percent of vehicles on Indian roads have no insurance at all. Out of 30.48 crore vehicles, nearly 16.54 crore lack valid coverage.
This creates major problems for accident victims and their families. Compensation claims often fail when vehicles are uninsured. The court wants a system that closes this gap permanently.
Next Hearing on Friday
The next hearing in the case is scheduled for Friday. The Centre must present its action plan by then. The pilot project will decide how fuel pumps enforce the new rule across the country.
