The Supreme Court on Thursday extended the ban on registration of diesel cars with engine capacity over 2000 cc in the national capital region, reported the Hindustan Times. The apex court also said that it may impose a one-time cess on the purchase of such vehicles to handle Delhi's massive air pollution problem. The court extended by a month the March 31st deadline for diesel vehicles to switch to CNG in the region.

On December 16, the court had banned the registration of new diesel luxury cars and SUVs with engine capacity of over 2000 cc until March 31. The court told car manufacturers that the ban will continue if they oppose the proposed tax. The restriction will not apply to high-security vehicles belonging to the Special Protection Group, though they will have to pay 30% of the vehicle’s price as compensation.