All the automobile manufacturers in the country had been sitting tight as they only had to comply with Euro I norms by April 2000. And for Euro II, the deadline was 2005. But the Supreme Court changed the scenario completely by advancing all deadlines.

According to the new deadline, all cars from June 1, 1999 have to follow the Euro I norms and by April 1, 2000, Euro II norms.

The norms were first discussed in Europe in the 60s. The Euro I norms were adapted by all European countries on January 1, 1993. Like the single currency, all the countries in Europe followed similar norms and they were popularly known as Euro I and Euro II. While India grappled with norms which were followed in Europe in the 60s, European countries had adopted the Euro II by 1998.

The Indian automobile industry has had a fairly easy time as compared to their Western counterparts. Even in 1991, the norms were so relaxed that they were what Europe was in the 60s. Consider this: According to the 1996 norms, which the cars were following, the Carbon Monoxide (CO) level was as much as 5 gm/km. As per the Euro I norms, the CO level is 2.72 and as per the Euro II norms, it is 2.2 gm/km.

Ironically, the particulate matter which is said to be carcinogenic was not even included as one of the parameters in India being followed now (the 1996 norms).

In Europe, on the other hand, they had separate norms for different categories of cars, which even went to the extent of specifying the engine type in the case of diesel vehicles -- the Indirect Diesel Ignition and Direct Ignition Diesel vehicle. These norms basically involve three parameters -- Hydrocarbons and Oxides of Nitrogen, Carbon monoxide and Suspended Particulate Matter.

In 1991, when the Mathur committee recommended that some norms should be set-up for Indian auto manufacturers', there was a hue and cry. The manufacturers', however, complied. It was decided by the same committee in 1996, when they revised the existing norms, that the country should adopt European norms. In 1998, Euro I norms were notified in the country in order to let the manufacturers' meet the previous deadline of April 1, 2000. And Euro II norms were not even notified. But the fact is that the market does have the technical know-how. They just needed a push from the Supreme Court to adapt new technology.