India, Dec. 17 -- The Supreme Court on Tuesday clarified that only vehicles with BS-IV compliant engines and above will be exempt from action if found operating in Delhi, modifying its earlier order on curbs for older vehicles amid worsening air pollution.

Earlier this month, the court had directed that 10-year-old diesel vehicles and 15-year-old petrol vehicles should not face strict enforcement from December 18, following a plea by the Delhi government.

However, the order created ambiguity for both vehicle owners and enforcement agencies.

The court accepted the submission, noting that a 15-year-old petrol vehicle and a 10-year-old diesel vehicle are typically BS-III compliant, while BS-IV engines were introduced a year later.

As a r...