Speaking to Express Newsline, Transport Minister Parvez Hashmi said that the apex court had accepted the Delhi government's plea for lifting the ceiling on registration of cars. ``We will wait for manufacturers to bring in certificates to prove that their cars meet the Euro I norms.'' According to M.P. Tyagi, Special Commissioner, Transport, regions around the NCT -- like Noida, Gurgaon and Faridabad -- have been registering vehicles that don't comply with the Euro norms even after May 1. ``We have some estimates about how many vehicles they have registered so far and therefore, there will be a marginal share left for the NCT,'' Tyagi said.

Hence, whatever little share is left for the nine RTOs in the NCT is expected to be exhausted within a hour or two on Monday. ``Since the court has not given us any directions, we will, on our own, decide how we have to register these (remaining) Euro 1 non-compliant vehicles in the NCT. We may go in for a draw of lots,'' Tyagi said.

Since the apex court has not specified that manufacturers need to approach an authorised automotive institute/body for certification, car companies can produce certificates issued by their research and development department or any body outside the country to prove that their cars comply with the Euro norms. The transport minister, however, warned of strict action against companies which bring fraudulent certificates. ``If someone challenges the claim of a manufacturer, the company's car will be sent to the Automotive Research Authority of India (ARAI) in Pune or any other authorised institute for a compliance test,'' he said.

Hashmi said if the car fails the test, then the Delhi government would see to it that these cars were not sold in the NCR. ``In fact, we will make a plea to the Government of India to ensure that their cars are not be sold in the entire country and their showrooms are closed down,'' he added. Submitting fake certificates also amounts to cheating customers, feels Hashmi.

Meanwhile, cars that don't comply with the Euro norms, like Maruti Zen (petrol), Maruti 800, Omni, Gypsy and Premier Padmini, will find it a tough going in the National Capital Territory (NCT) during the current month, when the quota on these vehicles is applicable.

Meanwhile, Maruti Udyog today issued a release stating that all their models would be Euro 1 compliant by June 1, 1999, and the company will not pass the additional cost incurred, in making these vehicles Euro 1 compliant, to the customer.