National Green Tribunal | Environment for UPSC 2024 (Pre & Mains) PDF Download

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NATIONAL GREEN 
TRIBUNAL 
Page 2


 
 
NATIONAL GREEN 
TRIBUNAL 
INTRODUCTION 
The National Green Tribunal has been established 
on 18.10.2010  
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 including enforcement of any legal 
right relating to environment and 
 giving relief and compensation for damages to 
persons and property and for matters connected 
therewith or incidental thereto.  
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NATIONAL GREEN 
TRIBUNAL 
INTRODUCTION 
The National Green Tribunal has been established 
on 18.10.2010  
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 including enforcement of any legal 
right relating to environment and 
 giving relief and compensation for damages to 
persons and property and for matters connected 
therewith or incidental thereto.  
 It is a specialized body equipped with the 
necessary expertise to handle environmental 
disputes involving multi-disciplinary issues.  
It draws inspiration from the India's 
constitutional provision of Article 21, which 
assures the citizens of India the right to a 
healthy environment. 
The Tribunal shall not be bound by the 
procedure laid down under the Code of Civil 
Procedure, 1908, but shall be guided by 
principles of natural justice. 
 
Page 4


 
 
NATIONAL GREEN 
TRIBUNAL 
INTRODUCTION 
The National Green Tribunal has been established 
on 18.10.2010  
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 including enforcement of any legal 
right relating to environment and 
 giving relief and compensation for damages to 
persons and property and for matters connected 
therewith or incidental thereto.  
 It is a specialized body equipped with the 
necessary expertise to handle environmental 
disputes involving multi-disciplinary issues.  
It draws inspiration from the India's 
constitutional provision of Article 21, which 
assures the citizens of India the right to a 
healthy environment. 
The Tribunal shall not be bound by the 
procedure laid down under the Code of Civil 
Procedure, 1908, but shall be guided by 
principles of natural justice. 
 
NGT is also not bound by the rules of evidence as 
enshrined in the Indian Evidence Act, 1872. 
It will be relatively easier (as opposed to approaching a 
court) for conservation groups to present facts and 
issues before the NGT, including pointing out 
technical flaws in a project, or proposing alternatives 
that could minimize environmental damage but which 
have not been considered. 
While passing Orders/decisions/awards, the NGT will 
apply the principles of sustainable development, the 
precautionary principle and the polluter pays 
principles. 
 However, it must be noted that if the NGT holds that a 
claim is false, it can impose costs including lost 
benefits due to any interim injunction. 
 
Page 5


 
 
NATIONAL GREEN 
TRIBUNAL 
INTRODUCTION 
The National Green Tribunal has been established 
on 18.10.2010  
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 including enforcement of any legal 
right relating to environment and 
 giving relief and compensation for damages to 
persons and property and for matters connected 
therewith or incidental thereto.  
 It is a specialized body equipped with the 
necessary expertise to handle environmental 
disputes involving multi-disciplinary issues.  
It draws inspiration from the India's 
constitutional provision of Article 21, which 
assures the citizens of India the right to a 
healthy environment. 
The Tribunal shall not be bound by the 
procedure laid down under the Code of Civil 
Procedure, 1908, but shall be guided by 
principles of natural justice. 
 
NGT is also not bound by the rules of evidence as 
enshrined in the Indian Evidence Act, 1872. 
It will be relatively easier (as opposed to approaching a 
court) for conservation groups to present facts and 
issues before the NGT, including pointing out 
technical flaws in a project, or proposing alternatives 
that could minimize environmental damage but which 
have not been considered. 
While passing Orders/decisions/awards, the NGT will 
apply the principles of sustainable development, the 
precautionary principle and the polluter pays 
principles. 
 However, it must be noted that if the NGT holds that a 
claim is false, it can impose costs including lost 
benefits due to any interim injunction. 
 
The Tribunal's dedicated jurisdiction in 
environmental matters shall provide speedy 
environmental justice and help reduce the 
burden of litigation in the higher courts.  
The Tribunal is mandated to make and 
endeavour for disposal of applications or 
appeals finally within 6 months of filing of 
the same.