What is the National Green Tribunal (NGT)?
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) is a specialized judicial body established for effective and expeditious disposal of environmental cases in India.
- Established under: National Green Tribunal Act, 2010
- Objective: Protection of environment, forests, and natural resources
- Nature: Quasi-judicial body
Constitutional & Legal Basis
- Not directly mentioned in the Constitution
- Derived from:
- Article 21 → Right to life includes a clean environment
- Article 48A → Protection of environment (DPSP)
- Article 51A(g) → Fundamental duty to protect environment
Composition:
- Chairperson (Retired Supreme Court Judge)
- Judicial Members
- Expert Members (environmental specialists)
Time Limit for Disposal
- NGT must dispose cases within 6 months
Jurisdiction
- Covers major environmental laws (Schedule I)but excludes-Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and Forest Rights act-2006
Appeal:
- Decisions can be appealed in the Supreme Court within 90 days
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