National Green Tribunal
Strengthening Environmental Justice in India
Centre Appoints Six New Members
In a significant move to strengthen the National Green Tribunal (NGT), the Central Government has announced the appointment of six new members: two judicial members and four expert members, marking a substantial addition to India's key environmental adjudicatory body.
Judicial Members
Justice Sudhir Kumar Jain
Former Judge of the High Court of Delhi.
Currently serving as a Member of the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC).
Justice Umesh Chandra Sharma
Former Judge of the High Court of Uttar Pradesh (Allahabad).
Now posted as Judicial Member at the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT), Regional Branch, Chandigarh.
Expert Members
Shri Sudhir Kumar Chaturvedi, IFoS (Retd.)
Retired as Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) & Head of Forest Force (HoFF), Government of Gujarat.
Shri Ishwar Singh, IFS (Retd.)
Retired as PCCF, Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
Dr. Sujit Kumar Bajpayee
Current Member of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).
Former Joint Secretary (Lateral Entry) at the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
Shri Prashant Gargava
Retired Director (Scientist 'F'–Control of Pollution) of the National Clean Air Programme at MoEFCC, New Delhi.
Former Member-Secretary, Central Pollution Control Board.
Duties and Responsibilities of NGT Members
- Expeditious Disposal: Tasked with providing effective and expeditious disposal of cases related to environmental protection, conservation of forests, and other natural resources. Handles civil cases involving substantial questions relating to the environment and related legal rights.
- Adjudication of Environmental Laws: Members adjudicate disputes under key environmental laws like the Water Act, Air Act, Forest Conservation Act, Environment Protection Act, Biological Diversity Act, and Public Liability Insurance Act.
- Flexible Procedures: Operates under the principles of natural justice and has the authority to create its own procedures, distinct from the Code of Civil Procedure, to ensure faster and less expensive resolutions.
- Relief and Compensation: Has powers to provide relief and compensation for damage caused to persons or property due to environmental harm.
- Suo Motu Powers: Also has suo motu powers, meaning it can take up environmental issues on its own motion without a formal complaint.
- Timely Resolution: One important mandate is to endeavor to dispose of applications or appeals within six months from the date of filing.
- Enforcement and Compliance: Members play a role in enforcing environmental laws, curbing damaging activities, and ensuring compliance with processes like Environment Impact Assessment (EIA).
- Multidisciplinary Expertise: Brings multidisciplinary expertise to handle complex environmental disputes involving scientific, technical, and legal aspects.
- Balance and Public Participation: The Tribunal balances the need for environmental protection with sustainable development and encourages public participation.
Overall, members, including judicial and expert members, work together to provide a specialized forum for expeditious and effective environmental justice in India.
This fresh slate of appointments brings with it a diverse array of judicial experience and scientific expertise critical for resolving complex environmental disputes and ensuring effective implementation of green laws in India.
The National Green Tribunal has played a pivotal role in environmental justice and regulatory oversight since its inception, and these new appointments are expected to further bolster its functioning and expedite the adjudication of pending cases.
