Bhubaneswar: In a major relief for commuters, the Odisha government has withdrawn its controversial “No PUCC, No Petrol” directive following strong observations by the Orissa High Court, which questioned both the feasibility and legality of the move.
In an affidavit submitted before the court, the state clarified that while petrol pumps may ask motorists to produce a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC), they cannot deny fuel in its absence. The government also made it clear that vehicle owners cannot be compelled to clear pending traffic challans as a condition for obtaining fuel or a PUCC.
The now-withdrawn directive had led to widespread confusion across the state, triggering long queues at petrol pumps and anxiety among motorists. Fuel stations reportedly lacked any authorised system to verify PUCCs, while reports suggesting that PUCCs would not be issued if challans were pending further aggravated public concern.
During the hearing, the High Court rejected the Transport Department’s argument that Section 167 of the Motor Vehicles Act permitted linking PUCC issuance with challan clearance. The court observed that no legal provision exists to impose such a condition and directed the department to modify the Vahan portal accordingly. It also asked the state to submit a compliance affidavit next week.
Petitioner’s counsel Ranjan Rout said the court strongly objected to restricting petroleum companies from selling fuel, terming the policy arbitrary and impractical. Acting on the court’s directions, the Transport Department has now allowed unrestricted fuel sales and announced plans to conduct public awareness programmes to prevent future confusion.
The episode sends a clear signal from the judiciary: policy decisions must be legally sound, administratively practical, and citizen-friendly — not disruptive or panic-inducing.
-OdishaAge
