The Delhi High Court has issued notice to the Central Government and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on a plea seeking steps for putting in place stringent emission standards for the diesel-run vehicles.

A division bench of Acting Chief Justice A.K. Sikri and Justice Rajiv Sahai Endlaw sought response from the ministry of environment and forests and the CPCB by Sep 5. The petition was filed by A. Narayanan.

The court also issued notice to the ministeries of petroleum and natural gas and finance and asked them to file reply by Sep 5.

A petition sought direction to replace old diesel vehicles if they failed to meet the new emission standards.

"Take adequate steps immediately to prescribe stringent emission standards on all appropriate parameters such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxide and lead for diesel vehicles uniformly throughout the country so as to control and reduce air pollution and protect the health and wellbeing of citizens," it said.