It is reported that the proposed amendments will strip the NGT of much of its power and possibly reduce it from a judicial tribunal to an administrative one under the control of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change. Sources say that preliminary discussions have already taken place and the government is considering setting up a committee to review the Act.
Though the NGT has been dogged by problems from its very inception, the fact remains that it is the only judicial body below the Supreme Court before which environmental cases can be heard. In fact, all challenges against environmental and forest clearances have to first be heard at the NGT. In the past the tribunal has hauled up both ministry officials and state authorities for falling foul of the nation's green laws.
As it stands, the Act is guided by principles of natural justice and the tribunal itself has all the powers of the High Court. However, the imminent amendments will serve to defile this philosophy and limit the powers of the body.
Read More: Government planning to clip National Green Tribunal's wings.
Author: Cara Tejpal.
