The National Green Tribunal (NGT) is a specialized statutory judicial body established under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010. The Act was passed by the Parliament of India on June 2, 2010, and the NGT was formally established on October 18, 2010. The NGT was created to provide for the effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection, conservation of forests, and other natural resources. This establishment was inspired by India's commitment at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 and the judicial interpretation of the right to a healthy environment as part of Article 21 of the Constitution of India. The NGT replaced the National Environment Appellate Authority.
The NGT has jurisdiction over all civil cases involving a substantial question relating to the environment, including the enforcement of any legal right related to it. It is mandated to make an endeavor to dispose of applications or appeals finally within six months of filing. The Tribunal is not bound by the procedure laid down under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, but is guided by the principles of natural justice. While passing any order, the NGT applies the principles of sustainable development, the precautionary principle, and the polluter pays principle.
The NGT's jurisdiction is specifically linked to the implementation of seven key environmental laws listed in Schedule I of the Act. These connected Acts include The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974; The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981; and The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The Tribunal has the power to grant relief and compensation for damages to persons and property and for the restitution of the environment. An appeal against an order or decision of the NGT lies directly to the Supreme Court of India. In October 2021, the Supreme Court affirmed the NGT's position as a "unique" forum endowed with suo motu (on its own motion) powers to take up environmental issues. A proposed amendment in 2024 aims to allow the NGT to directly impose fines on environmental violators, streamlining the process.