Odisha Withdraws ‘No PUCC, No Petrol’ Rule

Cuttack: In a major rollback, the Odisha government has withdrawn its controversial “No PUCC, No Petrol” directive after the Orissa High Court questioned its feasibility and legal validity. The state informed the court through an affidavit that petrol pumps may request a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) but cannot refuse fuel to motorists for failing to produce one.

The government also clarified that vehicle owners cannot be forced to clear pending traffic challans as a condition for obtaining a PUCC certificate. Following the court’s directions, the state has initiated steps to amend the Vahan portal and has been asked to submit a fresh affidavit detailing the proposed changes.

During the hearing, the High Court examined two major concerns arising from the earlier directive that instructed petrol pumps to deny fuel to vehicles without valid PUCCs. The court observed that petrol pumps neither have the logistical capacity nor the legal authority to verify such certificates, which had led to confusion and operational challenges.

After the order was initially announced, long queues were seen across Odisha as vehicle owners rushed to obtain PUCC certificates. Public anxiety further increased amid reports that certificates would not be issued to those with pending traffic challans.

Petitioner’s counsel Ranjan Rout argued that the state had cited Section 167 to justify denying PUCC certificates to vehicle owners with unpaid challans. However, the High Court rejected this argument, stating there is no legal provision linking the issuance of PUCC certificates with the clearance of challans.

“The Honourable High Court directed the Transport Commissioner to issue a notification, resolve issues in the Vahan portal, and inform the court next week, clearly stating that PUCC certificates must be be issued even if challans are pending,” Rout said.

Addressing the second issue concerning restrictions on fuel sales, Rout said the Transport Department submitted an affidavit confirming that the earlier directive had been withdrawn. Petroleum companies have now been allowed to sell fuel without restrictions, and the government has been advised to focus on awareness programmes rather than coercive enforcement.

The High Court observed that such directives cannot be imposed arbitrarily. While the government pointed to digital verification options through the Vahan portal, the court directed authorities to ensure that any future enforcement strictly adheres to existing legal provisions and the portal’s technical capabilities. The court has sought a detailed affidavit outlining the necessary amendments.