National Green Tribunal (NGT) – Relevant notifications from the Ministry of Environment and Forests

It 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.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.

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. Initially, the NGT is proposed to be set up at five places of sittings and will follow circuit procedure for making itself more accessible. New Delhi is the Principal Place of Sitting of the Tribunal and Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata and Chennai shall be the other 4 place of sitting of the Tribunal.

The Relevant Act and Notifications issued are as under:-

• National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 (No. 19 of 2010)
• Notification dated 18/10/2010 -
  
  • Enforcement of the NGT Act
  • Establishment of "The National Green Tribunal"
  • Appointment of Shri Justice L.S. Panta, Former Judge of the Supreme Court as Chairperson of the NGT
• Notification dated 26/11/2010, National Green Tribunal (Manner of Appointment of Judicial and Expert Members Salaries, Allowances and other Terms and Conditions of Service of Chairperson and other Members and Procedure for Inquiry) Rules, 2010
• Notification dated 04/04/2011 - GSR 295 (E) - NGT (Financial and Administrative Powers), Rules, 2011
• Notification dated 04/04/2011 GSR No. 296 (E) - NGT (Practice and Procedure) Rules, 2011