Jul 12, 2025
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The National Green Tribunal (NGT) is a statutory, specialized judicial body established under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, by the Parliament to provide for the effective and expeditious disposal of environmental disputes and the protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources. It was formally created on 18 October 2010 when the act received presidential assent and came into force.
Despite challenges such as limited jurisdiction, financial constraints, and judicial delays, the National Green Tribunal(NGT) strives to strengthen environmental laws, encourage sustainable development, and reduce court burdens.
Features of the NGT Act 2010
The NGT possesses significant judicial powers to handle environmental issues-ranging from air and water pollution to waste management and forest conservation.
Guided by natural justice principles rather than the Civil Procedure Code, 1908, the NGT aims for faster resolutions.
The tribunal’s jurisdiction extends to all civil cases involving “substantial questions relating to the environment,” giving it both original and appellate jurisdiction.
It aims to deliver speedy justice, with a mandate to dispose of cases within six months of filing.
The National Green Tribunal is headquartered in New Delhi, with four regional benches at Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata, and Chennai.
The National Green Tribunal in India was established in 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources.
The NGT is the first developing country tribunal dedicated to environmental matters.
The Act aims to provide a specialized body equipped with judicial and expert members to handle environmental cases expeditiously.
India is the third country in the world to set up a specialized environmental tribunal, following Australia and New Zealand.
The major objectives of the NGT include giving relief and compensation for environmental damage, enforcing the polluter pays principle, and promoting sustainable development.
The tribunal’s establishment is a significant step towards strengthening environmental governance in India.
The NGT Act provides for the tribunal’s composition, powers, and functions, ensuring its effectiveness in addressing environmental issues.
The National Green Tribunal in India has a total of five places of sitting, with New Delhi as the Principal place of sitting.
Table of content
The National Green Tribunal in India comprises a Chairperson, judicial members, and expert members, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach to environmental disputes and effective and expeditious disposal of the cases.
The Chairperson of the National Green Tribunal is a retired Supreme Court judge or a High Court Chief Justice, providing strong judicial leadership.
Judicial Members: Between 10 to 20 former Supreme Court or High Court judges appointed by the Central Government based on merit, serving for five years or until age 67 (for High Court judges) or 70 (for Supreme Court judges).
Expert members are selected based on their expertise in environmental science, law, or other relevant fields. There are 10 to 20 members with a Master’s degree in Science, Engineering, or Technology and relevant environmental experience, appointed by the Central Government, serving for five years or until age 65.
The National Green Tribunal’s composition is designed to provide a balanced approach to environmental decision-making.
The selection committee, headed by the Chief Justice of India, appoints the Chairperson and other members, ensuring transparency and accountability in the appointment process.
The NGT has regional benches in New Delhi, Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata, and Chennai, providing accessible justice to people across the country.
Each regional bench of the National Green Tribunal has specified geographical jurisdiction, ensuring that environmental disputes are addressed locally.
The tribunal’s jurisdiction extends to all civil cases relating to environmental protection, including cases under the Biological Diversity Act, the Forest Conservation Act, and other environmental laws.
The National Green Tribunal’s regional benches including Expert members and Judicial members play a crucial role in promoting environmental justice and ensuring that environmental laws are enforced effectively.
Jurisdiction & Scope
The National Green Tribunal in India oversees all civil cases involving substantial questions related to the environment, including enforcement of environmental rights under seven key laws.
Established by the National Green Tribunal Act 2010, it has both original and appellate jurisdiction-similar to a court-enabling it to hear first-instance applications and appeals.
Applicable Environmental Laws: The NGT adjudicates issues arising under:
The Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
The Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Cess Act, 1977
The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980
The Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
The Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991
The Biological Diversity Act, 2002
Adjudicatory Authority & Procedure
Functions similarly to a civil court, empowered to act under sections of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (now Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita) when settling disputes.
Not bound by the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (now Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Samhita), the National Green Tribunal is guided instead by the principles of natural justice and its own procedural rules.
Principles & Remedies Applied
All its decisions are grounded in sustainable development, the precautionary principle, and the polluter-pays principle, ensuring justice while balancing environmental protection.
Suo Motu Jurisdiction
As endorsed by the Supreme Court in October 2021, the NGT has a unique suo motu power—it can initiate cases on its own motion without waiting for formal complaints, enabling a proactive role in environmental oversight.
Relief, Compensation & Enforcement
The National Green Tribunal in India can order:
Monetary compensation and restitution for victims of pollution and hazardous-chemical accidents
Restoration of damaged property and affected ecosystems
Its orders are enforceable as civil court decrees.
Penalties for Non-compliance: Under the NGT Act, it can impose:
Imprisonment (up to 3 years),
A fine (up to ₹10 crore)
Or both adjudged together, for violations or failure to comply with its orders.
Timely Disposal
The National Green Tribunal is bound to dispose of appeals or applications within six months of filing, ensuring swift justice.
Role Beyond Adjudication:
According to the Supreme Court, the NGT’s mandate extends beyond judgement:
It also acts in preventive, ameliorative, and remedial capacities, reflecting a broader environmental stewardship.
Right to Appeal: Any party aggrieved by the NGT’s decision can file an appeal to the Supreme Court, generally within 90 days from the date the decision is communicated.
The Green Tribunal Act, 2010, provides for the establishment of the National Green Tribunal as a statutory body for environmental disputes.
The Act outlines the tribunal’s composition, powers, and functions, ensuring its effectiveness in addressing environmental issues.
The Act also provides for the procedure to be followed by the tribunal, including the filing of appeals and the review of decisions.
The NGT Act is a significant piece of legislation that has strengthened environmental governance in India.
The National Green Tribunal Act has been amended several times to ensure that the NGT remains effective in addressing emerging environmental challenges.
Important landmark judgments/orders delivered by the National Green Tribunal in India, showcasing its role in shaping environmental jurisprudence in India:
Case / Order | Year | Key Highlight |
Almitra H. Patel v. Union of India – open burning ban | 2012 | Complete prohibition on open burning of waste (landfills, street dumps). |
Save Mon Federation v. Union of India – Crane habitat | 2013 | Suspended hydro project to protect Black-necked Crane habitat . |
POSCO steel project in Odisha | 2012 | Suspended environmental clearance for large steel plants to protect forests . |
Diesel vehicle ban in Delhi–NCR | 2015 | Banned registration/plying of diesel vehicles over 10 years old . |
Art of Living festival on Yamuna | 2016 | Imposed ₹5 crore fine for environmental damage . |
Ban on plastic bags (<50 micron) | 2017 | Interim ban to prevent environmental harm . |
Ganga pollution directions | 2017 | Ordered action plan—sewage treatment, industrial discharge control . |
Coal mining in Meghalaya | 2014 | Ban on rat-hole coal mining due to environmental concerns . |
Mirzapur Thermal Power Plant EC cancellation | 2016 | Quashed environmental clearance for Welspun’s plant in Uttar Pradesh . |
Bengaluru lakes rejuvenation directives | 2022 | Directed restoration of polluted lakes . |
Stone quarry quarry EC challenge in Dhenkanal | 2025 | Admitted petition challenging EC for quarry near forest land . |
Buddha Nullah stream protection | 2025 | Committee formed to curb illegal construction/narrowing . |
Ghazipur landfill clean-up target | 2025 | The Bench ordered remediation by 2028 for Delhi’s landfill site . |
These judicial interventions reflect the National Green Tribunal’s wide-ranging impact-from enforcing environmental laws and compensating victims, to protecting sensitive ecosystems and regulating urban pollution. They showcase how the tribunal actively bridges legal tools and ecological needs in progressive environmental governance.
Specialized and Swift Justice
The NGT, established under the National Green Tribunal Act 2010, is a dedicated forum for environmental disputes—allowing fast, efficient adjudication and significantly easing the burden on ordinary courts.Accessible, Cost‑Effective Forum
It offers a simpler, less formal, and less expensive alternative to traditional litigation-making environmental justice more accessible to all stakeholders .Strong, Enforceable Orders
The tribunal has issued stringent orders across pollution control, deforestation, waste management, groundwater management, and urban landscaping-underscoring its robust environmental regulatory role.Multidisciplinary Expertise
Combining judicial and technical experts, the NGT ensures technically sound and legally robust decisions, helping evolve India’s environmental jurisprudence.Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanism
By promoting ADR, it paves the way for a progressive, jurisprudential shift in resolving environment-related matters.Suo Motu Powers
Empowered to act on its own initiative, including letters and media reports, the NGT can proactively address environmental harms without awaiting formal complaints.Strict Enforcement of EIA Processes
The National Green Tribunal in India plays a crucial role in enforcing Environment Impact Assessment obligations, preventing violations and promoting ecological balance.Expeditious Case Disposal
Mandated by the NGT Act to resolve matters within six months, it delivers timely justice and avoids prolonged delays.Compensation & Restitution Powers
It can award damages, enforce the polluter‑pays principle, order environmental restitution, and provide relief to affected individuals.Maintains Judicial Independence
With a single-term rule for its Chairperson and members, the NGT remains insulated from external pressures, bolstering independent decision‑making.Promotes Environmental Principles
Its jurisprudence is firmly rooted in sustainable development, precaution, and polluter‑pays principles, establishing firm legal foundations for policy and enforcement.Strengthens Environmental Governance
Through proactive oversight and enforcement, the National Green Tribunal continually reinforces the implementation and evolution of environmental laws.
Limited Jurisdiction
The NGT’s jurisdiction excludes critical forest and wildlife legislation such as the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 and the Forest Rights Act 2006. Since these are closely tied to environmental issues, the exclusion limits the tribunal’s effectiveness in comprehensive forest-environment cases.Frequent Judicial Interference
Its decisions are often challenged in High Courts under Article 226, with some arguing that High Courts (constitutional bodies) hold supremacy over the statutory National Green Tribunal in India. This legal ambiguity creates uncertainty over appealability, despite the Act directing appeals to the Supreme Court.Weak Enforcement & Compliance
Many NGT orders are partially or wholly ignored by governments or stakeholders due to feasibility issues or non-cooperation, undermining its authority.Compensation Arbitrary
Without a standardized formula to determine environmental compensation, awards are seen as inconsistent or subjective.Resource Constraints & Delays
Chronic understaffing, limited benches (with only six judicial members instead of the required twenty as of mid-2024), and slow appointments have caused significant case backlogs, making the six-month disposal mandate difficult to meet.Structural & Infrastructure Limitations
Insufficient infrastructure and financial support, exacerbated by periodic governmental apathy, limit the NGT's functionality and reach.Perceived Threat to Development
Some view the National Green Tribunal as blocking economic development, leading to political and administrative pressures to dilute its powers-undermining its role as an environmental watchdog.
Expand Jurisdiction
Bring in key environmental laws like the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and the Forest Rights Act, 2006 under NGT’s purview to close gaps in forest and wildlife oversight .
Strengthen Institutional Capacity
Fill sanctioned positions to meet the minimum of 10 judicial and 10 expert members per bench.
Reopen zonal benches and enhance infrastructure to reduce backlog and avoid over-reliance on video hearings.
Ensure Financial & Administrative Support
Increase funding and provide robust administrative backing so the NGT can adhere to its six-month disposal mandate.
Standardize Penalty Framework
Develop binding norms for calculating environmental compensation and fines, based on “polluter pays” and sustainable development principles.
Enhance Enforcement Mechanisms
Create a dedicated enforcement wing to monitor compliance and implement National Green Tribunal orders effectively (e.g., in cases like Haryana’s sand-mining ban or pollution compensation arrears).
Define Suo-motu Powers & Judicial Boundaries
Establish transparent guidelines to limit suo-motu interventions, ensuring they remain focused, legally sound, and within statutory remit.
Leverage Technology & Data Tools
Adopt AI, GIS-based mapping, and digital case management for efficient hearings and better ecological assessments.
Build Expertise & Capacity
Offer regular training in climate governance, scientific assessment, and modern environmental litigation for both judicial and expert members.
Increase Public Outreach & Transparency
Make processes, case updates, and orders more accessible to the public. Encourage community involvement in environmental justice.
Promote Inter-institutional Collaboration
Enhance coordination with CPCB, state pollution boards, local authorities, and research bodies to ensure implementation and coherency across agencies
Broaden Bench Structure & Appeals
Consider establishing multi-member benches or larger benches to handle complex matters. Enable appeals within the Tribunal to avoid overloading higher courts
Q. What is the National Green Tribunal Act 2010 in India?
A. The NGT is a statutory body established under the NGT Act 2010 to provide specialized, expeditious justice in environmental matters like air/water pollution, forest conservation, and biodiversity protection.
Q. Who is the Chairperson of the National Green Tribunal?
A. As of August 2023, Justice Prakash Shrivastava, former Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court, serves as the Chairperson of the NGT.
Q. How is the NGT different from ordinary courts?
A. The NGT functions under the NGT Act 2010, prioritizing natural justice, offering both original and appellate jurisdiction, and aiming to resolve cases within six months, unlike conventional courts governed by the CPC.
Q. What are the key objectives of the National Green Tribunal?
A. These include enforcing the polluter pays principle, ensuring sustainable development, providing relief and compensation for environmental damage, and strengthening eco-legal governance under the NGT Act 2010.
Q. Which environmental laws fall under the NGT’s jurisdiction?
A. The tribunal covers civil disputes under seven statutes-including the Water Acts, Air Act, Environment (Protection) Act, Forest Conservation and Biodiversity Acts, and Public Liability Insurance Act-but excludes laws like the Wildlife Protection Act and Forest Rights Act.
Q. Can NGT decisions be appealed further?
A. Yes, any order passed by the National Green Tribunal can be appealed directly to the Supreme Court of India within 90 days of communication, as per the National Green Tribunal Act 2010.
Q. Which ministry is NGT under?
A. The National Green Tribunal operates under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Question 1: How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)? (UPSC Prelims 2018)
The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPCB has been created by an executive order of the Government.
The NGT provides environmental justice and helps reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts whereas the CPCB promotes cleanliness of streams and wells, and aims to improve the quality of air in the country.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b)
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) must chart a robust way forward grounded in environmental justice and the legal right to a safe environment. It should broaden its mandate-incorporating laws like the Public Liability Insurance Act-while refining its procedure laid under the NGT Act for swift judicial relief. Strengthening both judicial and administrative remedies, in collaboration with the Supreme Court, will reinforce compliance and deter violations. Additionally, enhancing public liability frameworks, improving access for aggrieved communities, and institutionalizing transparent processes across benches will reinforce the National Green Tribunal’s legitimacy and efficacy in safeguarding ecological rights for all.
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