NGT had directed Volkswagen to deposit the amount with the CPCB over its alleged use of a ‘cheat device’ in diesel cars to beat environmental norms.
New Delhi: The National Green tribunal (NGT) Thursday slammed German car manufacturer Volkswagen with a fine of Rs 100 crore in accordance with its 16 November, 2018 order. The tribunal directed NGT to deposit the fine within 24 hours.
The bench led by NGT chairperson Justice Arun Mishra warned Volkswagen of punitive action if the amount was not deposited within the mandated time limit.
“Why have you not complied with the order? You are in default. If you do not deposit the amount we will order arrest and detention of your directors,” the bench said.
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In November last year, the NGT said the use of ‘cheat device’ by Volkswagen in diesel cars in India leads to inference of environmental damage and had asked the German auto major to deposit an interim amount of Rs 100 crore with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
This order came on the heels of a plea filed in 2015 in the wake of an international scandal that hit the company. Volkswagen had confessed to falsifying emission data in accordance to the limits set in the United States and some European countries.
NGT had also formed a panel to ascertain the loss to the environment. The four-member expert committee in its report had recommended a “conservative” fine of at least 171.34 crores for the health damage it caused.
Volkswagen also faces a $2.8 million fine in US and Canada.
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