India, Sept. 1 -- The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a PIL challenging the Centre's Ethanol Blending Programme, which mandates the sale of E20 petrol.

A bench of Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran heard the matter, concerning the petition filed by advocate Akshay Malhotra.

The petitioner referred to a 2021 NITI Aayog Report, which he said raised concerns about older vehicles that are not compliant with E20. Senior Advocate Shadan Farasat argued that the petitioner was not against Ethanol-blending, but was merely seeking an option of Ethanol-free petrol for vehicles manufactured before 2023, LiveLaw reported.

He further said that only the vehicles that are manufactured after April 2023 are compatible with E20 petrol....