---

---

The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran, has dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) against the nationwide rollout of 20% ethanol-blended petrol (E20) without allowing consumers the choice of ethanol-free fuel. The petition, filed by advocate Akshay Malhotra and argued by Senior Advocate Shadan Farasat, contended that most Indian vehicles manufactured prior to April 2023—including some BS-VI models—are not compatible with E20, and sought directions for the continued availability of E0 petrol and mandatory fuel pump labelling.

Petitioners argued that the absence of consumer choice, lack of composition disclosure, and mandatory supply of E20 was damaging vehicle engines, lowering fuel efficiency, and exposing owners to insurance claim denials. Reference was made to global practices, where ethanol-free petrol options coexist with blends, backed by clear consumer advisory and pump labelling.

The Centre, represented by Attorney General R Venkataramani, strongly opposed the PIL, emphasizing that E20 fuel benefits sugarcane farmers and supports broader biofuel policy objectives. The government questioned the petitioner’s credentials and highlighted that the policy was economically and environmentally motivated. The Court, after hearing submissions, refused to intervene with the government’s rollout and dismissed the plea with a brief “Dismissed” order.

The bench’s refusal means that the nationwide rollout of E20 fuel will continue, with no legal requirement for parallel supply of ethanol-free petrol or compulsory consumer labelling at pumps. Demands for future studies into E20’s potential mechanical impacts on non-compliant vehicles—central to the petition—were also rejected.