New Delhi, May 13 :     The Supreme Court today rejected petitions by automobile manufacturers and the Centre to extend the deadline for implementing tighter emission norms in the National Capital Region (NCR). While refusing to extend the time limit fixed for the introduction of Euro-I and II emission norms, a three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice A S Anand, Justice B N Kirpal and Justice V N Khare said they would, however, clarify the April 29 order that permitted registration of only 1500 vehicles every month and certain aspects on vehicles run on compressed natural gas (CNG). The court gave its ruling on a batch of petitions filed by the Union and the Delhi governments, Maruti Udyog Limited (MUL), Hindustan Motors, and Maruti Car Dealers? Association. In its April 29 order, the court had directed that private non-commercial vehicles not conforming to Euro I norms should not be registered in the NCR. It allowed registration of 250 diesel and 1250 petrol cars in the NCR per month from June 1 till March 31 2000. Additional solicitor general Kirit N Raval pleaded for some time to fulfil the new norms since the court order meant a sudden switchover to new technology. The new norms, he argued, had to be implemented in a phased manner because testing agencies were not equipped to approve prototypes of automobiles in a short period and issue necessary certificates. The bench said its April order did not refer to the modalities of certification from testing agencies, but had only directed the registration authorities to register a vehicle after its manufacturer furnished an emission certificate. The bench frowned on the existence of obsolete technology in India and wondered whether the automobile industry was concerned at all about the health of the ordinary citizens. ?Most auto manufacturers in India are selling cars in Europe with Euro-II norms from 1996 but they are not concerned about the pollution and its effect on the health of Indians,? the judges observed. Appearing for Maruti Udyog (MUL), senior advocate K K Venugopal sought an extension of the deadline for implementing Euro-I norms till October 1. ?Otherwise, the entire production for NCR, the largest chunk of the country?s auto market, will come to a halt and render 12,000 workers jobless.? The bench countered this argument by asking, ?Where was the justification for dumping obsolete technology in India?? Venugopal requested the court to consider workers? interest and the sustained development of the auto industry. Maruti import plans The Supreme court ruling has sent automobile scrambling to comply with the emission standards. ?We will import multi point fuel injection (MPFI) systems from Japan or any country, where Suzuki has the technology. Obviously, there will be an increase in price, but we will have to decide whether the additional amount will be passed on to the customers. The issue will be taken up at the board meeting to be held soon,? said a senior MUL executive. Reports said the country?s largest car maker was in touch with Suzuki Motor Company (SMC), the 50 per cent part owner of the company. ?We have communicated details details of the judgment on emission norms and they are working to find a solution,? officials said. Meanwhile, Hyundai Motors is hastening the process of seeking Euro I compliance certification from the competent authorities for the Santro. ?There no major significant change in the earlier order of Supreme court. We have made the necessary arrangements to meet Euro-II norms; even for Euro I, which we already have, we will get the necessary authentication from a competent authority like ARAI,? said B.V.R.Subbu, director marketing and sales, Hyundai Motors India Limited.