Introduction

The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 (NGT Act) stands as a landmark legislation in India’s environmental jurisprudence, establishing the National Green Tribunal (NGT) – a specialized, fast-track judicial body dedicated to resolving environmental disputes. Enacted on October 18, 2010, it empowers citizens, NGOs, and authorities to seek swift justice for pollution, forest conservation, and natural resource violations.

Core Objectives:

• Expeditious Disposal: Cases resolved within 6 months.

• Principles Applied: Sustainable Development, Precautionary Principle, Polluter Pays.

• Jurisdiction: Covers 7 key environmental laws (Schedule I), including Water Act 1974, Air Act 1981, and Environment Protection Act 1986.

• Social Impact: Empowers marginalized communities against industrial polluters, aligning with Article 21 (Right to Clean Environment).

In a country grappling with air pollution in Delhi, Ganga contamination, and deforestation, NGT has disposed of over 38,000 cases till 2025, imposing ₹50,000+ crores in fines – a testament to its role in green federalism.

Historical Development

India’s environmental justice evolution traces back to global and domestic milestones:

Pre-NGT Era (1970s-2000s):

• 1972 Stockholm Conference: India commits to eco-protection, leading to Wildlife Protection Act 1972.

• 1980s Judicial Activism: MC Mehta cases burden High Courts/Supreme Court with PILs.

• Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984): Exposes weak enforcement; prompts National Environment Tribunal Act 1995(repealed).

• Rio Earth Summit 1992: Principle 10 inspires judicial remedies; India signs conventions.

NGT Genesis (2000s):

• 2003 Law Commission Report: Recommends specialized tribunal.

• Bill Introduced 2009: Passed May 2010 amid rising pollution crises.

• Launch: October 18, 2010 – First Chairperson: Justice Lokeshwar Singh Panta.

• Evolution: 5 Benches (Delhi HQ, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bhopal); Circuit Benches for accessibility. 2021 Amendment enhances selection process.

Milestones: From zero benches to handling multi-disciplinary cases blending law, science, and policy.

Comprehensive Details of Key Provisions

Max Info, Min Words: Structured as Section → Core Rule → Practical Example for crystal-clear understanding. NGT not bound by CPC 1908 – follows natural justice (Sec 19).

🟢 Establishment & Structure

• Sec 3: Central Govt establishes NGT at Delhi.

  • Example: Principal Bench Delhi oversees North Zone; handles 60% cases like Delhi air crisis.

• Sec 4: Chairperson (SC Judge) + 10 Judicial (HC Judges) + 10 Expert Members (15+ yrs env. exp.).

  • Example: Justice Prakash Shrivastava (2023-) leads; experts validate tech reports in mining bans.

🟡 Jurisdiction & Powers

• Sec 14: Exclusive original jurisdiction on civil cases under Schedule I (Water/Air Pollution, Forests, EPA).

  • Example: Factory dumping effluents in Yamuna → NGT halts ops, orders cleanup.

• Sec 15: Any person aggrieved files application (no strict locus standi).

  • Example: NGO sues builder for wetland destruction; NGT awards ₹10 Cr restoration.

• Sec 17: Relief/Compensation + Restitution (restore environment).

  • Example: Flood-hit villagers vs hydro project → ₹9 Cr no-fault liability payout.

• Sec 18: Appellate over clearances (MoEFCC/State).

  • Example: Illegal sand mining EC revoked; project stalled.

🔴 Procedure & Enforcement

• Sec 19: Self-regulate; 6-month disposal; expert evidence.

  • Example: Live video hearings during COVID sped up 2020 firecracker bans.

• Sec 20: Civil Court powers (discovery, summons).

  • Example: NGT raids polluting tanneries in Kanpur.

• Sec 22: Bar on Civil Courts.

  • Example: Pollution suits auto-transfer to NGT from District Courts.

• Sec 25: ₹10 Cr penalty for non-compliance.

  • Example: Sterlite Copper fined ₹100 Cr for Thoothukudi pollution.

⚖️ Appeals & Oversight

• Sec 29: SC Appeal within 90 days.

  • Example: Industry challenges NGT diesel ban → SC upholds.

• Sec 26: Imprisonment for false claims.

Pro Tip: Suo Motu powers (Sec 14) allow NGT to act on news reports – e.g., 2024 Delhi landfill fires.

Key Landmark Judgments

NGT’s ~500 significant orders shaped eco-governance. Top 10 with Impact:

1. Almitra Patel vs UOI (2012): Nationwide Waste Ban – No open burning; 25 Directives under SWM Rules. Impact: Segregation mandatory in 1L+ cities.

2. Save Mon vs UOI (2013): Hydro Project Halted Arunachal – Protected Black-Necked Crane. Impact: Biodiversity-first clearances.

3. Uttarakhand Floods (2014): ₹900 Cr Compensation to hydro firms. Impact: No-Fault Liability precedent.

4. Art of Living vs Yamuna (2016): ₹5 Cr Fine on Sri Sri for floodplains damage. Impact: Event permits tightened.

5. Ganga Rejuvenation (2017): ₹10,000 Cr Plan – STPs, zero discharge. Impact: Namami Gange boosted.

6. Delhi Firecrackers (2018-20): Diwali Ban in NCR. Impact: AQI dropped 30%.

7. Sterlite Copper (2018): Shutdown + ₹100 Cr – Lead poisoning deaths. Impact: Public health priority.

8. Coal Mining Meghalaya (2014): Rat-Hole Ban. Impact: 15 lives saved; illegal ops curbed.

9. MV Rak Shipwreck (2012): ₹105 Cr for mangrove loss. Impact: Polluter Pays enforced.

10. Recent: EC Reappraisal (Oct 2024): District Mining Clearances Scrutinized. Impact: Prevents greenwashing.

Suggestions for Strengthening NGT

Practical Reforms amid backlog (15,000+ cases) & vacancies:

Immediate (2025 Focus):

• Fill 50% Vacancies: Recruit 20 Experts via transparent UPSC-like process.

• Digital Overhaul: AI case tracking; e-filing nationwide.

• More Benches: 10 Circuit Benches in Tier-2 cities (e.g., Lucknow, Guwahati).

Structural:

• Expand Schedule I: Include Wildlife Act, FRA 2006 for holistic coverage.

• Clear Guidelines: Define “Substantial Question” to curb frivolous cases.

• Funding Boost: ₹500 Cr annual for labs/tech.

• Avoid Overreach: Stick to enforcement; policy via MoEFCC.

• Community Role: Local Green Cells for monitoring + Victim Funds.

Social Angle: Tribal/Village Panchayats as Amicus in forest cases.

Conclusion

The NGT Act, 2010 revolutionized India’s environmental justice, transforming Article 21 from promise to penalty-enforced reality. From banning Diwali crackers to reviving Ganga, NGT embodies eco-democracy – citizens vs corporations.

Yet, in 2025’s climate crisis, reforms are urgent: Stronger NGT = Greener India. Act Now: File a PIL, support green NGOs – your voice shapes tomorrow’s air, water, forests.

Call to Action: Share this guide! #NGTAct #GreenIndia2025

Sources: Official NGT, Supreme Court, Wikipedia (2025 updates).