Q. With reference to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), consider the following statements:
1.It is a regulatory body that enforces environmental laws.
2.It is bound by the procedures laid down under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.
3.It has the power to issue binding orders to the government.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
Explanation –
Statements 1 and 2 are incorrect. The NGT is a quasi-judicial body, not a regulatory body. This means that it has the power to adjudicate disputes and issue binding orders, but it does not have the power to formulate and enforce regulations. The NGT is tasked with resolving disputes between individuals and corporations, and between individuals and the government, arising from environmental issues.
The NGT is not bound by the procedures laid down under the Code of Civil Procedure (CPC), 1908. It has its own set of rules and procedures, which are laid down in the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 and the National Green Tribunal Rules, 2011. The NGT is bound by the principles of natural justice, but it is not bound by the same procedural rules as regular courts.
Statement 3 is correct. The NGT has the power to issue binding orders to the government, including orders to take specific actions to prevent or remedy environmental damage. The government is obliged to comply with NGT orders, but it can appeal against them in the Supreme Court.
Source: ForumIAS
