How far do you agree with the view that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has met its objective of ensuring environmental justice in India? (Answer in 250 words)

NGT: Consist of President (retired sc judge) and judicial & technical member. NGT has met its Objective: (1) Specialized Quasi-Judicial Body with judicial & technical member to decide cases. Eg: Udove Biodiversity Act & Udayme stone quarry case & provided justice. (2) Speed Justice: as it is not clogged like ordinary judiciary. Eg: 5.04 crore cases pending in ordinary judiciary. (3) Flexibility: in procedure as all band by natural justice & not Civil Procedure Code (rigid). (4) Success in May Cases: like Meghalya fast tile mining case, Udayme stone quarry case & provided justice. (5) Interim Relief: Granted to protect rights of affected people. (6) Penalties: on aul & private bodies for violating environmental laws. Eg: on DDA for cutting Ridge tree.

Not Met the Objectives: (1) Rampant Delays: in deciding matters causing injury & environmental harm. (2) Non-Compliance: with orders of NGT by public bodies due to bureaucratic opacity. Eg: Aravalli Sand mining case. (3) Poor Enforcement Mechanism: due to lack of independent in enforcement arm & reliant on police & environment bodies. (4) Necess: of policing induces & corrupt officials undermine authority & NGT. (5) Vacancies: due to pay consultation mechanism & executive & judiciary. Way Forward: Fill all vacancies expediently. Privity enforcement of NGT orders (Katerunerson report). Amend clear envisonment Eg: Glen hydrogen. Provide expeditious relief. Right to clean envionment is a fundamental right & NGT must be referred to realize this right to all people (MC Manta Case)

— Aditya Mathur · AIR 98