SC empowers green tribunal to initiate action on its own

What is the news? 

The Supreme Court has empowered the National Green Tribunal (NGT) with suo motu(on its own) power to initiate proceedings on its own in case of environmental exigencies. 

Earlier status 

Earlier, the NGT could pass on a ruling only after a petition has been filed by someone before the tribunal. 

What is the significance of the ruling? 

The ruling now gives more teeth to the NGT, which would have wider implications for the society and environment in particular. 

The tribunal would no longer remain a mute spectator to the damages done to the environment and can act in a proactive manner. 

What is National Green Tribunal (NGT)? 

It is a specialised body set up under the National Green Tribunal Act (2010) for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources. 

Source: This post is based on the article “SC empowers green tribunal to initiate action on its own” published in “The Times of India” on 08 October 2021.