NATIONAL GREEN TRIBUNAL (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env & Eco)

Context: The Supreme Court has pulled up the National Green Tribunal (NGT) for its “recurrent engagement” in “unilateral decision making”.

National Green Tribunal:

• About:The NGT was established by an Act of the Parliament i.e., National Green Tribunal, Act, 2010.
• Objective: NGT was established for the effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources.
• Inspired From:

oThe United Nations Conference on the Human Environment held at Stockholm in 1972.

oThe United Nations Conference on Environment and Development held at Rio de Janeiro in 1992.

o The Constitution of India under Article 21.

• Features:

oThe Tribunal shall not be bound by the procedure laid down under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, or the Indian Evidence Act, 1872.

oIt shall be guided by principles of natural justice.

o the Tribunal is vested with the powers of a civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure for discharging its functions.

oIt has both original and appellate jurisdiction

o Disposal of applications or appeals finally within 6 months of filing of the same.

oThe Tribunal’s orders are binding and it can also grant relief in the form of compensation and damages to affected persons.