- A Division Bench of SC was hearing an appeal against an ex-parte order in suo motu proceedings by NGT which directed appellants for payment of compensation.
- Ex-Parte orders are those that can be granted without waiting for a response from other side.
- Key observations of SC regarding NGT
- Recurrent engagement in unilateral decision making, provisioning ex-post-facto review hearing, and routinely dismissing it has become a norm.
- Imposition of huge sums for damages proved to be counterproductive in safeguarding environment.
- Tribunal must ensure procedural integrity to ensure harmonious balance between justice and due process.
- About NGT
- Statutory body established under National Green Tribunal Act, 2010.
- It is a specialized body equipped with necessary expertise to handle environmental disputes involving multi-disciplinary issues.
- It is guided by principles of natural justice.
- Not bound by Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 or Indian Evidence Act, 1872.
- Composition: Headed by Chairperson who sits in the Principal Bench, and
- at least 10 but not more than 20 judicial members, and
- at least 10 but not more than 20 expert members.
NGT’s has jurisdiction over all civil cases under following Acts:
|