Impact of the National Green Tribunal on Environmental Justice: Recent Trends

The Impact of the National Green Tribunal on Environmental Justice has been transformative, ensuring swift resolution of environmental disputes through its specialized framework. Established in 2010, the NGT has evolved by 2025, leveraging suo motu powers, digital hearings, and stricter enforcement to promote sustainability. This blog explores its role, recent trends, challenges, and significance for legal aspirants.

Introduction

The Impact of the National Green Tribunal on Environmental Justice in India has been profound, establishing a specialized judicial body to address environmental disputes with speed and expertise.

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Formed under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, the NGT has become a cornerstone of environmental governance, ensuring the enforcement of legal rights related to the environment, forests, and natural resources. By March 22, 2025, the NGT has evolved significantly, adopting digital tools, exercising suo motu powers, and addressing critical issues like pollution, deforestation, and waste management. Its multidisciplinary approach, combining judicial and technical expertise, has made it a global model for environmental justice, as India became the third country worldwide to establish such a tribunal, following Australia and New Zealand.

For legal aspirants preparing for Judiciary, APO, and JLO exams, understanding the Impact of the National Green Tribunal on Environmental Justice is essential, as it ties into environmental law, constitutional rights, and current legal trends. This blog examines the NGT’s historical context, legal framework, key impacts, recent trends in 2025, challenges, and its significance for the future of environmental justice.

1. Understanding the National Green Tribunal and Environmental Justice

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) is a specialized quasi-judicial body established on October 18, 2010, under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, to handle environmental disputes involving multidisciplinary issues.

Objective: The NGT aims to provide effective and expeditious disposal of cases related to environmental protection, conservation of forests, and enforcement of legal rights concerning the environment. It also offers relief and compensation for environmental damage, aligning with the constitutional right to a healthy environment under Article 21.
Structure: The NGT comprises a Chairperson, judicial members, and expert members, with a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 20 full-time members in each category. The Chairperson is appointed by the Central Government in consultation with the Chief Justice of India, while a Selection Committee appoints judicial and expert members.
Jurisdiction: The NGT has jurisdiction over civil cases involving substantial environmental questions under seven laws, including the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Environment Protection Act, 1986. However, it lacks jurisdiction over the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and the Forest Rights Act, 2006, limiting its scope in certain areas.
Environmental Justice: Environmental justice refers to the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people in environmental decision-making, ensuring access to a clean and healthy environment. The NGT promotes this by providing a platform for aggrieved parties, including individuals, NGOs, and communities, to seek redressal.

The Impact of the National Green Tribunal on Environmental Justice lies in its ability to bridge gaps in environmental governance, offering a specialized forum that prioritizes sustainability and equity.

2. Historical Context of the National Green Tribunal

The NGT’s establishment was a response to India’s growing environmental challenges and the need for a dedicated judicial body to address them.

Pre-NGT Era: Before 2010, environmental disputes were handled by civil courts or the National Environment Appellate Authority (NEAA), established in 1997. However, these bodies lacked the expertise and speed required for complex environmental cases, as noted in the 1986 M.C. Mehta v. Union of India case, where the Supreme Court recommended specialized environmental courts.
Formation of the NGT: The NGT was established on October 18, 2010, replacing the NEAA, drawing inspiration from India’s obligations under the Stockholm and Rio conferences and Article 21’s right to a healthy environment. India became the third country globally, and the first developing nation, to set up such a tribunal, following Australia and New Zealand.
Early Impact: From 2010 to 2021, the NGT handled over 35,963 cases, disposing of 33,619, as per data from its website. It introduced principles like sustainable development, the precautionary principle, and the polluter pays principle into its adjudication, shaping environmental jurisprudence.
Judicial Recognition: In 2021, the Supreme Court in Municipal Corporation of Bombay v. Ankita Sinha affirmed the NGT’s suo motu powers, allowing it to initiate proceedings on its own, a significant step in enhancing its proactive role in environmental justice.

This historical evolution highlights the Impact of the National Green Tribunal on Environmental Justice, transforming India’s approach to environmental governance.

3. Legal Framework Governing the NGT

The Impact of the National Green Tribunal on Environmental Justice is rooted in its robust legal framework, which empowers it to address environmental disputes effectively.

NGT Act, 2010: The Act establishes the NGT as a specialized body for the expeditious disposal of environmental cases, mandating resolution within six months of filing. It applies principles of natural justice, rather than the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, ensuring flexibility in proceedings.
Section 20: The NGT is mandated to apply international environmental law principles—sustainable development, precautionary principle, and polluter pays principle—ensuring decisions prioritize long-term environmental well-being.
Jurisdiction and Powers: The NGT has jurisdiction over civil cases involving substantial environmental questions under seven laws, such as the Environment Protection Act, 1986. It can award compensation, impose penalties (up to three years imprisonment or fines), and issue binding orders enforceable as civil court decrees. Appeals against NGT orders lie to the Supreme Court within 90 days.
Suo Motu Powers: The 2021 Supreme Court ruling in Municipal Corporation of Bombay v. Ankita Sinha confirmed the NGT’s suo motu powers, allowing it to take up cases on its own based on letters, representations, or media reports, enhancing its role in environmental justice.
Accessibility: The NGT allows aggrieved parties, including individuals and NGOs, to file cases without mandatory legal representation, broadening access to justice. It has five benches—New Delhi (principal bench), Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata, and Chennai—though zonal benches have faced operational challenges.

This framework ensures that the Impact of the National Green Tribunal on Environmental Justice is both proactive and inclusive, addressing systemic environmental issues while empowering communities.

4. Key Impacts of the NGT on Environmental Justice

The NGT has significantly shaped environmental justice in India through its decisions, policies, and procedural innovations. Below are its key impacts:

Swift and Specialized Dispute Resolution

Impact: The NGT’s mandate to resolve cases within six months has reduced the burden on higher courts, providing faster access to environmental justice. Between 2010 and 2021, it disposed of 33,619 out of 35,963 cases, demonstrating efficiency despite resource constraints.
Example: In 2017, the NGT imposed a penalty of Rs. 5 crore on the Art of Living Festival for violating environmental norms on the Yamuna floodplain, showcasing its ability to deliver swift justice.

Enforcement of Environmental Laws

Impact: The NGT has enforced strict compliance with environmental laws, ensuring that the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) process is followed. It has canceled or ordered reassessments of projects violating norms, such as the Lower Demwe Hydro Power Project in Arunachal Pradesh and mining projects in Goa.
Example: In 2016, the NGT nullified amendments to the EIA 2006 notification that allowed local authorities to grant clearances to builders, terming it a “ploy” to bypass rules, reinforcing its role in upholding environmental regulations.

Promotion of Environmental Principles

Impact: By applying the polluter pays, precautionary, and sustainable development principles, the NGT has integrated international environmental law into Indian jurisprudence, ensuring decisions prioritize long-term ecological health.
Example: In 2022, the NGT imposed a Rs. 3500 crore environmental compensation on West Bengal for failing to manage solid and liquid waste, reflecting the polluter pays principle, as reported in posts on X.

Empowerment of Communities and NGOs

Impact: The NGT’s broad standing under Section 16 allows any “aggrieved person” to appeal, empowering communities and NGOs to seek justice. This has democratized access to environmental justice, particularly for marginalized groups affected by pollution or deforestation.
Example: In Kalpavriksh v. Union of India, the NGT addressed the qualifications for MoEF appointments to Expert Appraisal Committees, ensuring transparency and competence in environmental decision-making.

Policy Development and Administrative Accountability

Impact: The NGT has exposed administrative weaknesses and driven policy changes by holding regulatory authorities accountable. Its decisions have prompted pollution control boards to become more active, a shift from their pre-NGT inactivity.
Example: In 2021, the NGT expressed dissatisfaction over the cleaning of the Ganga, demanding accountability for the utilization of funds, highlighting its role in pushing for effective governance.

The Impact of the National Green Tribunal on Environmental Justice is thus transformative, combining judicial activism with scientific expertise to address environmental challenges holistically.

5. Recent Trends in 2025: Evolving Impact of the NGT

As of March 22, 2025, the Impact of the National Green Tribunal on Environmental Justice has evolved, reflecting judicial, technological, and societal trends:

Suo Motu Actions: Following the 2021 Supreme Court ruling, the NGT has increasingly used its suo motu powers to address pressing environmental issues. In 2024, it took up a case on air pollution in Delhi based on media reports, directing stricter enforcement of emission norms, showcasing its proactive stance.
Digital Integration: The NGT has adopted digital tools, aligning with the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023’s push for digital trials. Virtual hearings and e-filing have become common, with a 2025 Law Ministry report noting a 12% increase in case disposals at the principal bench in New Delhi due to digitalization. However, zonal benches continue to rely on video conferencing, often limited to 1-2 hours, causing delays.
Focus on Waste Management: The NGT has intensified its focus on solid and liquid waste management. In 2025, it directed the Uttar Pradesh government to address water pollution by tanneries in Jajmau, Kanpur, as per a compliance report filed on March 20, 2025, reflecting its ongoing commitment to tackling pollution.
Public Interest Litigation (PIL): The NGT has seen a rise in PILs, particularly on issues like land acquisition and environmental degradation. A 2024 Supreme Court case, where the NGT declared a state’s land acquisition policy violative of Article 14, highlights its role in public law, ensuring equitable environmental justice.
Sentiment on X: Posts on X in 2025 reflect mixed sentiments. Some users praise the NGT for its role in addressing pollution and forest conservation, citing its accessibility and speed, while others criticize its limited jurisdiction and operational challenges, such as the closure of zonal benches, though these views remain inconclusive.

These trends underscore the evolving Impact of the National Green Tribunal on Environmental Justice, adapting to modern challenges while maintaining its core mission of environmental protection.

6. Challenges Facing the NGT

Despite its achievements, the Impact of the National Green Tribunal on Environmental Justice is hindered by several challenges:

Resource Constraints: The NGT has never had its mandated minimum of 10 judicial and 10 expert members. As of 2019, it operated with only 4 judicial and 2 expert members, leading to the closure of zonal benches and reliance on video conferencing, which lawyers find burdensome for clients.
Administrative Support: The government’s lack of financial and administrative support has weakened the NGT’s functioning. Between 2012 and 2013, three judicial members resigned due to inadequate infrastructure, and this issue persists into 2025, with no significant increase in resources reported.
Limited Jurisdiction: The exclusion of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and the Forest Rights Act, 2006, from the NGT’s jurisdiction restricts its ability to address critical forest and wildlife issues, often central to environmental justice for indigenous communities.
Enforcement Gaps: Many NGT orders, such as those on Ganga pollution, Delhi air pollution, and solid waste management, remain unenforced due to the lack of an institutional mechanism to ensure compliance by regulatory authorities, undermining its impact.
Allegations of Overreach: The NGT’s use of suo motu powers has sparked debates about judicial overreach. In 2025, the Supreme Court instructed the NGT to review its orders in certain cases, following grievances that it exceeded its statutory mandate, as noted in a Mint article from January 2025.

These challenges highlight the need for systemic reforms to sustain the Impact of the National Green Tribunal on Environmental Justice.

7. Recommendations for Strengthening the NGT

To enhance the Impact of the National Green Tribunal on Environmental Justice, the following measures are recommended:

Increase Resources: The government should appoint the mandated minimum of 10 judicial and 10 expert members and provide adequate financial and administrative support to operationalize zonal benches, reducing reliance on video conferencing.
Expand Jurisdiction: Amend the NGT Act to include the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and the Forest Rights Act, 2006, enabling the NGT to address a broader range of environmental issues, particularly those affecting indigenous communities.
Strengthen Enforcement: Establish an institutional mechanism to ensure compliance with NGT orders, such as a dedicated enforcement wing, to bridge the gap between adjudication and implementation.
Leverage Technology: Expand the use of digital tools, such as AI for case management and virtual hearings, to improve efficiency, especially in zonal benches, aligning with global trends in judicial administration.
Clarify Suo Motu Powers: Develop clear guidelines for the NGT’s suo motu actions, ensuring they are society-centric and adhere to principles of natural justice, as suggested by the Supreme Court in 2021, to prevent perceptions of overreach.

These recommendations can help maximize the Impact of the National Green Tribunal on Environmental Justice, ensuring it remains a robust platform for environmental governance.

8. Significance for Legal Aspirants in 2025

For Judiciary, APO, and JLO exam candidates, understanding the Impact of the National Green Tribunal on Environmental Justice is crucial:

Environmental Law Questions: The NGT ties into environmental law and constitutional rights under Article 21, often tested through cases like M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (1986) and Municipal Corporation of Bombay v. Ankita Sinha (2021). Aspirants must analyze its powers, jurisdiction, and principles like polluter pays.
Constitutional Law Application: The NGT’s role in enforcing the right to a healthy environment under Article 21 makes it relevant for constitutional law questions, particularly on judicial activism and public interest litigation.
Current Affairs Relevance: Recent trends, such as the 2024 Supreme Court PIL on land acquisition and the NGT’s focus on waste management in 2025, make it a hot topic for current affairs sections in exams.
Essay and Interview Preparation: The ethical and legal implications of the NGT—balancing environmental justice with sustainable development—are frequent essay and interview topics, requiring a nuanced understanding of its role and challenges.

Mastering the Impact of the National Green Tribunal on Environmental Justice equips aspirants to tackle complex questions, ensuring they are well-prepared for competitive exams in 2025.

9. The Future of Environmental Justice Through the NGT

Looking ahead, the Impact of the National Green Tribunal on Environmental Justice will continue to evolve:

Technological Integration: The adoption of AI for case management and expanded virtual hearings will streamline NGT proceedings, reducing delays and improving access to justice, as seen in urban courts in 2025.
Policy Influence: The NGT will likely play a larger role in shaping environmental policy, particularly in areas like waste management and climate change, by holding governments accountable and promoting sustainable practices.
Global Model: As a pioneering tribunal, the NGT will continue to serve as a model for other nations, especially in the Global South, to establish specialized environmental courts, building on its recognition by the UNEP as a global leader.
Legislative Refinement: Future amendments to the NGT Act may address jurisdictional gaps and enforcement challenges, enhancing its ability to deliver comprehensive environmental justice.

The future of environmental justice through the NGT depends on addressing its operational challenges while leveraging its strengths, ensuring it remains a beacon of sustainability and equity.

Conclusion

The Impact of the National Green Tribunal on Environmental Justice has been transformative, providing a specialized platform to address environmental disputes with speed, expertise, and a focus on sustainability. Since its establishment in 2010, the NGT has resolved thousands of cases, enforced environmental laws, and empowered communities to seek justice, aligning with India’s constitutional commitment to a healthy environment under Article 21.

Recent trends in 2025, such as its use of suo motu powers, digital hearings, and focus on waste management, reflect its evolving role in a rapidly changing legal landscape. However, challenges like resource constraints, limited jurisdiction, and enforcement gaps underscore the need for systemic reforms.

For legal aspirants, understanding this topic is essential for excelling in Judiciary exams, as it ties into environmental law, constitutional rights, and current affairs. As India moves forward, the NGT must continue to adapt, ensuring that the Impact of the National Green Tribunal on Environmental Justice remains a force for positive change in the pursuit of a sustainable future.

Want to master the Impact of the National Green Tribunal on Environmental Justice for your Judiciary, APO, or JLO exams? Join Doon Law Mentor’s Courses for expert guidance and comprehensive study materials! Follow @doonlawmentor on Instagram for the latest updates on environmental law and exam tips!

FAQs

What is the National Green Tribunal (NGT)?
The NGT is a specialized quasi-judicial body established in 2010 under the NGT Act to handle environmental disputes, focusing on protection, conservation, and enforcement of environmental rights.
What is the impact of the National Green Tribunal on environmental justice?
The NGT ensures swift dispute resolution, enforces environmental laws, promotes sustainability principles, empowers communities, and drives policy changes, enhancing access to environmental justice.
What laws does the NGT have jurisdiction over?
The NGT has jurisdiction over seven laws, including the Environment Protection Act, 1986, and the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, but excludes the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
How has the NGT evolved by 2025?
By 2025, the NGT has adopted digital hearings, increased suo motu actions, focused on waste management, and played a larger role in PILs, such as the 2024 land acquisition case.
What are some landmark decisions by the NGT?
Decisions include the 2017 penalty on the Art of Living Festival, the 2016 nullification of EIA amendments, and the 2022 Rs. 3500 crore fine on West Bengal for waste mismanagement.
What challenges does the NGT face in delivering environmental justice?
Challenges include resource constraints, limited jurisdiction, enforcement gaps, lack of administrative support, and allegations of judicial overreach, as noted in 2025 Supreme Court reviews.
How can the NGT strengthen its impact on environmental justice?
By increasing resources, expanding jurisdiction, strengthening enforcement, leveraging technology, and clarifying suo motu guidelines to ensure consistency and fairness.
What recent trends in 2025 highlight the NGT’s role?
Trends include digital hearings, suo motu actions on air pollution, focus on waste management (e.g., Jajmau tanneries case), and increased use in PILs like the 2024 land acquisition ruling.
Why is the NGT important for legal aspirants?
It’s a key topic in environmental and constitutional law for Judiciary exams, covering its powers, landmark cases, and current trends like digitalization and suo motu actions.
What is the future of environmental justice through the NGT?
The future involves technological integration, policy influence, global recognition as a model, and legislative refinements to address jurisdictional and enforcement gaps.