National Green Tribunal (NGT) bench in each state

National Green Tribunal (NGT) bench in each state

Recently, the Supreme Court has asked the central government to consider setting up of National Green Tribunal (NGT) benches in each state.

The Supreme Court is hearing a petition challenging certain provisions of the NGT Act, 2010. Some provisions of the NGT Act have been challenged in the petition.
The power to establish a special bench of the NGT is vested in the central government, and the only appellate forum against the order of the NGT is the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court stressed that keeping in view the principle of access to justice as well as the idea of protecting the environment; the central government can set up more regional benches of the NGT.
Presently, five benches of NGT have been established in five zones – North, Central, East, South and West.
The principal bench of the NGT is located in the North Zone, with its headquarters at Delhi.

Advantages of more regional benches:

National Green Tribunal (NGT)

The NGT was established under the “National Green Tribunal Act, 2010”.
It is a statutory and quasi-judicial body.
It aims at effective and speedy disposal of cases related to environmental protection.
It is not bound by the provisions of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 or the Indian Evidence Act, 1872.
It disposes of cases keeping in mind the principles of natural justice.

Jurisdiction of NGT:

It hears civil matters under seven laws relating to the environment.

The following are these seven laws: