Consumer activist Ralph Nader did it in the Sixties. He took on the mighty automobile giants General Motors, Ford Chrysler. Nader castigated them that their products were unsafe at any speed.

We owe a debt of gratitude to environmentalist lawyer M. C. Mehta, whose public interest petition resulted in the Supreme Court banning the sale of new vehicles not conforming to Euro emission norms in the National Capital Region. By far, it is the biggest jolt to our complacent Marutis and Mahindras who have been selling vintage design engines and vehicles that belch poisonous gases. For 17 years since inception, Maruti had not touched its engine designs. In 1997-1998, Maruti spent on R&D; a glorious 0.19% of its sales and other income of Rs.8474 crore. And remember, Maruti is the largest non-government corporate in the country!

   It was left to the indefatigable efforts of the public spirited Mehta to take the issue to the court. It may be argued that court intervention is not healthy on issues that could eminently and easily be dealt with by the government. But whither the government? The power of lobbying by a Maruti or a Bajaj (the latter makes its own rich contribution of polluting Delhi through thousands of poorly designed and poison-gurgling auto-rickshaws) is so enormous that shaky coalition governments would not have the nerve to discipline these. The nation is indebted to Mehta and others who filed the petition attempting through court to drive some sense on a burning issue of great public interest.

   The judgment will have its impact on already depressed sales. But, there is hope. Mehta did cause the closure of several polluting industries. Over 800 tanneries in Tamil Nadu were directed to be closed down in 1997. Consequently, spirited action on the part of CLRI and NEERI, in co-operation with the tanneries, most of these small unlike Bajaj or Maruti, found a solution. In just about a year, most of the tanneries set up effluent treatment facilities and bounced back to business.

   One can expect Maruti and other affected car manufacturers to file revision petitions seeking relief. But the sense of disappointment and anger stems from the fact that Maruti - Suzuki is among the most prosperous corporates that has earned huge profits. It has been the beneficiary of a protected economy and has enjoyed handsome concessions especially during the crucial initial years in the form of lower taxes and duties. For all the benefits derived, it has not evolved as a responsible corporate citizen. Like most average Indian businesses, the company has been exclusively concerned with its profits, its shareholders and its employees. The customer has been foisted with a product of vintage design with absolute indifference towards pollution.