National Green Tribunal : Nature Meets the Law

Updated on July 19, 2025 01:01:48 PM

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) is an Indian specialised organisation formed in 2010 to handle matters involving environmental preservation, conservation of forests and other natural resources, and enforcement of environmental laws and regulations. It is a special entity with quasi-judicial authority, which means it may issue orders binding on the government and other public authorities. The NGT has played an important role in environmental protection in India, issuing orders on various topics such as air and water pollution, deforestation, and wildlife conservation.

In this article, you will get complete knowledge of the National Green Tribunal, its structures, Power of Jurisdiction, and strengths that will help understand the importance of the NGT in India's environmental conservation efforts.

National Green Tribunal

What is the National Green Tribunal (NGT)?

National Green Tribunal or NGT is an independent body established to adjudicate environmental disputes. It is headquartered in New Delhi and has four regional benches. The NGT has exclusive jurisdiction to hear cases related to environmental issues.

With the establishment of the NGT, India became the third country in the world to set up a specialised environmental tribunal, only after Australia and New Zealand, and the first developing country to do so. NGT is mandated to make disposal of applications or appeals finally within 6 months of the filing of the same.

The NGT has five places of sitting, New Delhi is the Principal place of sitting and Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata and Chennai are the other four.

Structure of National Green Tribunal

  • The Tribunal comprises the Chairperson, the Judicial Members and Expert Members. They shall hold office for a term of five years and are not eligible for reappointment.
  • The Chairperson is appointed by the Central Government in consultation with the Chief Justice of India (CJI).
  • A Selection Committee shall be formed by the central government to appoint the Judicial Members and Expert Members.
  • There are to be at least 10 and a maximum of 20 full-time Judicial members and Expert Members in the tribunal.

Legal Procedure at National Green Tribunal

The legal processes of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) are crucial for properly resolving environmental issues. The procedure is as follows:

Step 1: Filing a Case

The process of starting a case before the NGT begins with the aggrieved side filing a formal application or petition. This includes describing the relevant facts, and legal grounds, and identifying the relief requested. The NGT Act specifies the required paperwork, fees, and the correct forum to submit the action based on jurisdiction. A timely and proper submission is required to guarantee that the case is admitted and considered for subsequent proceedings.

Step 2: Role of Legal Counsel

Due to the complexities of environmental laws and regulations, legal assistance is essential when dealing with NGT situations. Experienced legal advice is essential in case preparation and presentation. They help to ensure that all legal requirements are followed, and they advocate on their client's behalf at hearings, utilising their understanding of environmental law to establish a solid case.

Step 3: The NGT’s Adjudication process

After admitting a case, the NGT has hearings and evaluations to evaluate the facts and arguments offered. Based on the facts of the case, it may make orders, instructions, or judgments. The judgments of the NGT are legally binding and strive to achieve environmental justice and conformity with environmental legislation. The approach guarantees that the NGT is a strong site for environmental disputes, making it an important institution for addressing environmental issues in India.

Powers & Jurisdiction

  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.

Strengths of NGT

Conclusion

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) emerges as a beacon of hope for environmental justice. In India, it is a testament to the evolving legal landscape to ensure the sustainable development of natural resources. NGT's adjudication process, legal expertise, and landmark decisions have advanced environmental protection while also inspiring businesses and individuals to adopt environmentally responsible practices. The NGT's role in fostering an environment of harmony between development and nature remains vital, and law firms like ours stand ready to advocate for environmental justice. By working together, we can make tomorrow greener and more sustainable.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the NGT?

NGT stands for "National Green Tribunal." It is a specialist judicial organisation in India that was founded in 2010 to handle disputes involving environmental protection, conservation, and sustainable development.

Which kinds of cases are handled by the National Green Tribunal?

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) handles environmental problems such as pollution, conservation, forest and animal preservation, water resources, and other environmental laws and regulations.

What is the full form of NGT?

The full form of NGT is the “National Green Tribunal”.

Who can file suit in the National Green Tribunal?

Individuals, organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and government authorities can bring cases or petitions at the National Green Tribunal (NGT) over environmental issues and matters.

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