PUCC scam exposed: How Delhi-NCR's pollution checks are being sold like commodity

PUCC scam exposed: How Delhi-NCR's pollution checks are being sold like commodity An India Today investigation revealed how Pollution Under Control Certificates (PUCC) are being issued in Delhi-NCR without properly checking vehicles, and in some cases, without the vehicles even being physically present. AdvertisementPollution Under Control Certificates are being issued without checking vehicles. (Screengrab)Nitin JainNew Delhi,UPDATED: Dec 25, 2025 17:00 ISTEdited By: Anuja JhaAt a time when Delhi is choking under toxic smog and emergency curbs are in place to tackle the severe pollution levels, an Aaj Tak investigation has uncovered a criminal racket that strikes at the heart of India’s vehicle-emission compliance system. Our reporters — posing as vehicle dealers — found that Pollution Under Control Certificates (PUCC) are being issued without checking vehicles, and in some cases without the vehicles even being physically present. advertisement The findings expose a systemic rot that not only compromises environmental law, but puts lakhs of residents at direct risk as unfit and polluting vehicles continue to ply freely on Delhi-NCR roads. WHAT THE LAW SAYSUnder Rule 115 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, every vehicle must undergo a pollution test to retain a valid PUCC. Driving without it attracts fines up to Rs 10,000 under the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, and repeat violations can lead to licence suspension. Moreover, issuing false certificates is a criminal offence — amounting to cheating, forgery, and abetment under the IPC. But our investigation shows how easily the law is being mocked. CASE 1 – PUCC WITHOUT VEHICLE: 'PDF MIL JAYEGA'Outside Jyoti Nagar Police Station in North-East Delhi, a BS-IV Maruti Swift (DL12CH0139) stood parked.