The National Green Tribunal on Thursday directed German car maker Volkswagen to deposit Rs 100 crore by Friday in pursuant to its November 2018 order or face punitive measures including detention.

The green panel posted the matter after decision of the apex court.

At today’s hearing, the Centre’s counsel that the hearing be deferred until orders are passed by the Supreme Court.

Countering the arguments, the petitioner’s counsel said: “They have pleaded before the SC that penalty has been imposed upon them, they have not actually been imposed with penalty but with interim compensation so that they don’t escape penalty. They have not conducted any fresh test. The report is created for their convenience.

“This raises question as to how the environment is being monitored by the authorities. The manner in which the report has been makes me fear for the lives of Indian citizens.”

—India Legal Bureau