PUCC mandate for petrol withdrawn by Odisha govt!

In a significant development, the Odisha government has rolled back the ‘No PUCC, No Petrol’ order after the High Court questioned the feasibility and legality of enforcing the directive across petrol pumps in the state.

The government has submitted an affidavit in the High Court in this regard. Petrol pumps can only ask for PUCC but cannot deny fuel. The government cannot force people to clear all pending challans.

Instructions have been issued to amend the Vahan portal, and the government has been directed to file an affidavit regarding the portal modification.

During the High Court hearing, two key issues were discussed concerning the government’s earlier directive asking petrol pumps to deny fuel to motorists without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC). The directive, aimed at ensuring compliance, created widespread confusion as petrol pumps lacked the logistics to verify certificates.

Following the announcement, long queues were witnessed across Odisha as commuters rushed to obtain PUCC certificates. Questions were also raised over another clause stating that PUCC would not be issued to vehicle owners with pending challans, adding to public anxiety.

Also Read: Crackdown on fake PUCC centres in Odisha, action against 72, IDs blocked

Government’s Clarification

Based on earlier court proceedings, the government submitted an affidavit clarifying that petrol pumps may only ask for PUCC but cannot deny fuel. It was also clarified that the government cannot force commuters to clear all pending challans as a precondition.

"Referring to Section 167, it was argued that PUCC certificates would not be issued if challans were not cleared. However, the Honourable High Court rejected this plea, stating that there is no legal provision linking the issuance of PUCC certificates to the clearance of challans. The court directed the Transport Commissioner to issue a notification, address the issues faced in the Vahan portal, and inform the High Court next week, clearly stating that PUCC certificates will be issued even if challans are pending, said Ranjan Rout, Petitioner lawyer.

He further stated that the second grievance related to the ban imposed on petroleum companies from selling fuel. In this regard, the Transport Department submitted an affidavit to the High Court clarifying that the instructions had been withdrawn. Petroleum companies have now been permitted to sell fuel, and directions have been issued to conduct awareness programmes," he added.

Court’s Observations and Directions

The High Court observed that such directives cannot be imposed arbitrarily. While the government cited the availability of portal facilities, the court directed the transport authorities to ensure that any enforcement aligns strictly with provisions mentioned in the Vahan portal and sought an affidavit on necessary amendments.

With the withdrawal of the directive, immediate confusion has eased. The High Court’s intervention has underscored the need for clear, practical, and legally sound measures before implementing policy decisions affecting the public.