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Source- This post on the Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate has been created based on the article “SC revisits its own order: PUC not mandatory to renew car insurance” published in “Hindustan Times” on 30 July 2024.
Why in the news?
The Supreme Court recently overturned its 2017 directive that required a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate to renew a third-party insurance policy.
About the Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate:
1. The PUC certificate, also known as the pollution certificate, is a mandatory document for vehicle owners in India.
2. Purpose: It verifies that a vehicle meets environmental standards and its emission levels are within permissible limits set by the government.
3. Requirement:
i) All vehicles on Indian roads must have a valid PUC certificate according to the Central Motor Vehicles Rule 1989.
ii) New vehicles are exempt from needing a PUC certificate in the first year. After that, vehicles must undergo PUC tests at regular intervals.
4. Validity: A PUC certificate is generally valid for one year from the date of issuance.
5. Consequences of Non-Compliance:
i) Failing to produce a valid PUC certificate can result in a fine of up to ₹10,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both, under the Motor Vehicle Act.
ii) The vehicle owner may also face disqualification from holding a driving license for three months.
iii) If a vehicle emits more fumes than allowed despite having a valid PUC certificate, the certificate will be canceled. The owner must obtain a new certificate within seven days.
6. Applicability: The PUC certificate requirement applies to all types of vehicles, including CNG-powered vehicles, as well as petrol and diesel vehicles.
7. How to Obtain a PUC Certificate:
i) PUC certificates can be obtained from government-authorized emission test centers with computerized facilities.
ii) The emission test involves a thorough examination of the vehicle’s exhaust gases. The results are recorded and issued in the PUC certificate.
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