Updated: 4 September 2026
National Green Tribunal Act, 2010: Jurisdiction, Filing, Appeals, Powers and Penalties
The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 (Act 19 of 2010) establishes the National Green Tribunal (NGT) for effective and expeditious disposal of specified environmental disputes, enforcement of legal rights relating to the environment, and grant of relief, compensation and restitution. The Act came into force on 18 October 2010.
National Green Tribunal Act, 2010: Overview
Section 1 - Short title and commencement. The legislation is called the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010. It came into force on 18 October 2010 through a Central Government notification.
The Tribunal is a specialised environmental adjudicatory body. Its jurisdiction is statutory and is principally tied to civil cases involving a substantial question relating to the environment under the enactments specified in Schedule I, as well as appeals expressly provided under Section 16.
For appointments and service conditions of the Chairperson and Members appointed after the relevant reforms, the Act must also be read with Section 10A and the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2021.
NGT Jurisdiction and Time Limits
| Provision | Subject | Key statutory time limit |
|---|---|---|
| Section 14 | Civil cases involving a substantial question relating to the environment arising from implementation of Schedule I enactments. | Application ordinarily within 6 months from the date the cause of action first arose; the Tribunal may allow a further period up to 60 days for sufficient cause. |
| Section 15 | Relief, compensation to victims of pollution/environmental damage, and restitution of property or environment. | Application ordinarily within 5 years from the date the cause for compensation or relief first arose; a further period up to 60 days may be allowed for sufficient cause. |
| Section 16 | Appeals against specified orders or decisions under listed environmental enactments. | Ordinarily within 30 days from communication of the order/decision; a further period up to 60 days may be allowed for sufficient cause. |
| Section 22 | Appeal from an NGT award, decision or order to the Supreme Court. | Ordinarily within 90 days from communication; the Supreme Court may entertain a delayed appeal if sufficient cause is shown. |
Limitation can be outcome-determinative. The applicable provision should be identified before filing, particularly where the dispute concerns a continuing environmental issue, a specific statutory order, or a compensation claim.
How to File an Application or Appeal Before the NGT
Proceedings are instituted through the prescribed application or appeal procedure, not merely by sending a complaint letter. The filing must conform to the NGT Act and the National Green Tribunal (Practice and Procedure) Rules, 2011, as amended from time to time.
A filing ordinarily requires the prescribed form and pleadings, relevant impugned order where applicable, supporting documents and annexures, affidavit, prescribed fee, and compliance with the filing practice applicable to the concerned bench or the NGT e-filing system.
Before filing, verify territorial jurisdiction, maintainability under the relevant Schedule I enactment, limitation, standing under Section 18, and the precise relief sought.
Procedure and Powers of the National Green Tribunal
Section 19 provides that the Tribunal is not bound by the procedure laid down by the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 and is guided by the principles of natural justice, subject to the Act and rules. It has specified civil-court-like powers for matters such as summoning persons, requiring production of documents, receiving evidence on affidavit, reviewing decisions and setting aside ex parte orders.
Under Section 20, while passing an order, decision or award, the Tribunal applies the principles of sustainable development, the precautionary principle and the polluter-pays principle.
Appeal Against an NGT Order
Section 22 provides a statutory appeal to the Supreme Court against an award, decision or order of the Tribunal. The appeal is on one or more of the grounds specified in Section 100 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 and must ordinarily be filed within 90 days from communication of the NGT decision or order, subject to the Supreme Court's power to condone delay on sufficient cause.
Penalty for Failure to Comply with NGT Orders
Section 26 makes failure to comply with an NGT order, award or decision an offence. The section provides imprisonment and/or fine, with enhanced consequences for continuing contravention. Separate monetary limits apply where the offender is a company. Sections 27 and 28 deal with offences by companies and Government Departments.
Because statutory penalty amounts and related provisions should be applied from the current authoritative text, users dealing with enforcement or prosecution should verify the latest India Code text and relevant notifications before acting.
Sections of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010
The following internal section pages are retained for convenient navigation through the Act.
Note: Section 10A, inserted through later tribunal-law reforms, should be read with the current India Code text and the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2021 for post-reform appointments and service conditions.