National Green Tribunal : Process, Documents and Functions

1. In case you are filing the application for compensation or relief to the NGT, then you must possess the following details with you:
• Details of the injured person
• Detail of Police Station (nearby to the place of the incident)
• Detail of the applicant or beneficiary
• Grounds for application
2. In case you are filing a complaint with the NGT.
• Address of the applicant
• Facts in Brief
• Grounds for application

In cases where no compensation is demanded, the fee for such cases is Rs. 1000 (excluding attorney fee). And in those cases where compensation is involved, the Tribunal charges 1% of the compensation claim.

The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 states the powers and jurisdiction of the Tribunal. It states the composition of the NGT as well.

• According to the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, the Tribunal shall consist of
1. A full-time chairperson
2. Not less than ten but subject to a maximum of twenty full-time Judicial members
3. Not less than ten but subject to a maximum of twenty full-time Expert members
• The Act also defines the jurisdiction of NGT, i.e. over all civil cases where a substantial question relating to the environment is involved, and such questions arise out of implementation of the enactment specified in Schedule.
• This Act also says that the Tribunal is not bound by the procedure laid by CPC (Code of Civil Procedure), 1908 but shall be guided by the principles of natural justice.

1. The Tribunal has jurisdiction over all civil cases involving substantial questions relating to the environment (including enforcement of any legal right relating to the environment).


2. Being a statutory adjudicatory body like Courts, apart from the original jurisdiction side on the filing of an application, NGT also has appellate jurisdiction to hear appeals as a Court (Tribunal).


3. The Tribunal is not bound by the procedure laid down under the Code of Civil Procedure 1908, but shall be guided by principles of 'natural justice'.


4. While passing any order/decision/ award, it shall apply the principles of sustainable development, the precautionary principle and the polluter pays principle.


5. NGT by order, can provide
• relief and compensation to the victims of pollution and other environmental damage (including accidents occurring while handling any hazardous substance),
• for restitution of property damaged, and
• for restitution of the environment for such areas or areas, as the Tribunal may think fit.


6. An order/decision/award of the Tribunal is executable as a decree of a civil court.


7. The NGT Act also provides a procedure for a penalty for non-compliance:
• An order/decision/award of the Tribunal is executable as a decree of a civil court.
• The NGT Act also provides a procedure for a penalty for non-compliance:


8. An appeal against an order/decision/ award of the NGT lies to the Supreme Court, generally within ninety days from the date of communication.


9. The NGT deals with civil cases under the seven laws related to the environment, these include:
• The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974,
• The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act, 1977,
• The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980,
• The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981,
• The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986,
• The Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991 and
• The Biological Diversity Act, 2002.


10. Any violation pertaining to these laws or any decision taken by the Government under these laws can be challenged before the NGT.

• Over the years NGT has emerged as a critical player in environmental regulation, passing strict orders on issues ranging from pollution to deforestation to waste management.


• NGT offers a path for the evolution of environmental jurisprudence by setting up an alternative dispute resolution mechanism.


• It helps reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts on environmental matters.


• NGT is less formal, less expensive, and a faster way of resolving environment-related disputes.


• It plays a crucial role in curbing environment-damaging activities.


• The Chairperson and members are not eligible for reappointment, hence they are likely to deliver judgements independently, without succumbing to pressure from any quarter.


• The NGT has been instrumental in ensuring that the Environment Impact Assessment process is strictly observed.

The National Green Tribunal's complaint procedure, accompanied by the necessary papers, acts as an important route for people and groups to campaign for environmental preservation and justice. The NGT serves a critical role in environmental protection by effectively handling problems including pollution, conservation, and sustainable development. Its commitment to rapid resolution, along with a strict legal framework, permits people and businesses to hold wrongdoers responsible. With a common commitment to protecting our natural resources, the NGT's functions continue to play an important role in defining a greener and more sustainable future for India, highlighting the significance of responsible environmental stewardship.