The court directed environmentalist Subhas Dutta on Friday to file a petition outlining the status of unauthorised auto-rickshaws in the city and their role in aiding air pollution through auto emissions.

The Bench was hearing a plea moved by Dutta, which stated that auto emissions had an adverse effect on the environment.

According to the petition, most of the auto-rickshaws in the city do not have a license.

A Central Pollution Control Board report states that 50 to 70 per cent pollution in the air in any city is due to emission from automobiles. The Transport department has failed to assess the actual number of unauthorised auto-rickshaws.

Dutta pointed out that a division bench of the Calcutta High Court had directed the state government in 2004 to stop unauthorised auto-rickshaws from plying in the city.

The state government, however, did not carry out the order.

Further, the condition of these auto-rickshaws was deplorable as most of them were brought from Delhi, Mumbai and other cities. He also alleged that the transport department did not issue a certificate of fitness for these vehicles.