​FAQs: National Green Tribunal

Q. What is the penalty of the National Green Tribunal Act?
A. Penalties include 3 years of imprisonment or a fine up to Rs. 10 crores, or both in case of non-compliance with the decision given by the tribunal. If such contravention continues, then Rs. 25,000.00 will be fined per day.

Q. Can NGT orders be challenged?
A. Yes, however, the Supreme Court had clarified that sections 14 and 22 of the NGT Act do not oust the High Court's jurisdiction under Articles 226 and 227 of the Constitution. Accordingly, an appeal against such a decision lies with the Supreme Court.

Q. Can a person attend hearings of the NGT?
A. Yes, hearings at the NGT are open to the public, and anyone can attend. This transparency allows for public awareness and participation in matters of environmental protection and conservation.

Q. What is the limitation period for the NGT Act?
A. The limitation period to file a complaint with the NGT is 60 days, and such disputes shall be adjudicated in 6 months.

Q. Can a person argue his own case in NGT?
A. Yes, one can argue his own case personally in NGT without hiring a lawyer. However, a power of attorney cannot be given to anyone but an advocate enrolled with the Bar.

Q. Is there any difference between a Court and a Tribunal?
A. Yes, a court and a tribunal differ in their jurisdiction and scope. While a court has broader authority, encompassing various laws and powers such as contempt, a tribunal's jurisdiction is often specific, like the NGT, focused solely on laws related to the environment. Essentially, every court is a tribunal, but not every tribunal is a court, as per the Supreme Court's distinction.

Q. How many days can an appeal be made by NGT?
A. An order/ decision/ award passed by NGT can be challenged before the Supreme Court within 90 days.

Q. Which acts are not covered under NGT?
A. The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 are the two most important acts that are not covered in the ambit of NGT.

Q. What are the powers of the National Green Tribunal?
A. The National Green Tribunal holds the authority to adjudicate civil cases linked to environmental law implementation mentioned in Schedule I. However, its original and appellate jurisdiction is not bound by CPC and upholds the principles of natural justice. It can pass orders granting compensation and relief to pollution victims, restore damaged property, and rehabilitate affected environments.

Q. Where is the National Green Tribunal?
A. Including New Delhi as the Principal place of sitting, NGT has a total of 5 places of sitting. Other places are Bhopal, Pune, Chennai, and Kolkata.

Q. What is the Composition of the NGT?
A. The NGT comprises the Chairperson, Judicial Members, and Expert Members, with a range of 10 to 20 full-time members.

Q. Cost for NGT Compliant
A. A fee of Rs. 1,000.00 is applied for every application or appeal where no compensation is sought. In case of application or appeal with compensation claims, a fee of 1% of the compensation amount, subject to a minimum charge of Rs. 1,000.00, is levied.

Q. Does the NGT offer internships?
A. Yes, the NGT provides internship opportunities for students and young professionals interested in environmental law and related fields.

Q. NGT Compliant Phone Number
A. To contact the National Green Tribunal (NGT), use these phone numbers. General Inquiries - 011-23043528 Judicial Matters - 011-23043544 or 011-23043548 Administration - 011-23043521.

Advocate Chikirsha Mohanty

Greater Kailash - 1, Delhi
5 years

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