In a major setback to the automobile industry, the Gauhati High Court has banned the launch and sale of small cars that don't meet crash-test norms in Assam.

The order is in response to petitions that sought to make vehicles safer. The petitioner sought more stringent safety standards in the state, which consists of many mountainous regions. A crash test like the Global New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP), which is followed in Europe and developed markets is what the petitioner seeking for.

The court order explains the ban on cars, which weigh below 1,500 kg. Popular models such as Maruti Suzuki Alto and Swift, Hyundai i10 and EON, and Honda Jazz have come under the hammer on the orders that came into effect from 6 August, 2015.

The northeastern states account for about 12% of total car sales in India, and Assam is the largest contributor among the seven sister states.

Currently, cars in India are required to pass the frontal crash test norms and the steering impact test before they are launched and sold. A more stringent front offset crash tests has been recommended and would be implemented in 2017.

The manufacturer has taken their move via SIAM, and an affidavit with the Gauhati High Court challenges the ban, citing that all cars on sale in the country meet existing safety and emission norms.

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