With reference to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), consider the following statements:
1. The tribunal has the power to hear only civil cases related to environmental laws specified in the Act.
2. The tribunal shall adhere to the rules of evidence as prescribed in the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023.
3. The appeals against tribunal decisions can be made directly to the Supreme Court of India.

Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Question

With reference to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), consider the following statements:
1. The tribunal has the power to hear only civil cases related to environmental laws specified in the Act.
2. The tribunal shall adhere to the rules of evidence as prescribed in the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023.
3. The appeals against tribunal decisions can be made directly to the Supreme Court of India.

Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

ONLiNE UPSC · Accepted Answer

Statement 1 is correct: The NGT has the power to hear civil cases related to environmental laws such as the Environment Protection Act, 1986, the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, and the Air and Water Acts. However, it does not handle criminal cases.

Statement 2 is not correct: The Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (new law replacing the Indian Evidence Act, 1872) does not govern the rules of evidence for tribunals. The NGT follows principles of natural justice rather than strict adherence to formal rules of evidence.

Statement 3 is correct: According to the Section 22 of the act, any person aggrieved because of the decision of the Tribunal U/S 100 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 may file an appeal before the Apex Court within 90 days. The Apex Court may entertain the appeal after even 90 days if satisfied that the Appellant was prevented by sufficient cause from preferring the appeal.

National Green Tribunal (NGT)

Jurisdiction and Procedures

Website Link

Test Your Knowledge

Student Resources


M Question 1	⏱ 0
With reference to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), consider the following statements: 1. The tribunal has the power to hear only civil cases related to environmental laws specified in the Act. 2. The tribunal shall adhere to the rules of evidence as prescribed in the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023. 3. The appeals against tribunal decisions can be made directly to the Supreme Court of India. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, and 3