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Preamble 1 - - THE NATIONAL GREEN TRIBUNAL ACT, 2010

THE NATIONAL GREEN TRIBUNAL ACT, 2010

[Act No. 19 of 2010]

[2nd June, 2010]

PREAMBLE

An Act to provide for the establishment of a National Green Tribunal for the effective and expeditious
disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural
resources including enforcement of any legal right relating to environment and giving relief and
compensation for damages to persons and property and for matters connected therewith or
incidental thereto.
And whereas India is a party to the decisions taken at the United Nations Conference on the Human
Environment held at Stockholm in June, 1972, in which India participated, calling upon the States to
take appropriate steps for the protection and improvement of the human environment;
And whereas decisions were taken at the United Nations Conference on Environment and
Development held at Rio de Janeiro in June, 1992, in which India participated, calling upon the States
to provide effective access to judicial and administrative proceedings, including redress and remedy
and to develop national laws regarding liability and compensation for the victims of pollution and
other environmental damage;
And whereas in the judicial pronouncement in India, the right to healthy environment has been
construed as a part of the right to life under article 21 of the Constitution;
And whereas it is considered expedient to implement the decisions taken at the aforesaid
conferences and to have a National Green Tribunal in view of the involvement of multi-disciplinary
issues relating to the environment.
Be it enacted by Parliament in the Sixty-first Year of the Republic of India as follows: --

Chapter I - - Preliminary

(1) This Act may be called the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010.
(2) It shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may, by notification in the
Official Gazette, appoint.

Section 2 - Definitions
(1) In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,--

(a) "accident" means an accident involving a fortuitous or sudden or unintended

occurrence while handling any hazardous substance or equipment, or plant, or vehicle
resulting in continuous or intermittent or repeated exposure to death, of, or, injury to,
any person or damage to any property or environment but does not include an
accident by reason only of war or civil disturbance;

(b) "Chairperson" means the Chairperson of the National Green Tribunal;

(c) "environment" includes water, air and land and the inter-relationship, which exists
among and between water, air and land and human beings, other living creatures,
plants, micro-organism and property;

(d) "Expert Member" means a member of the Tribunal who, is appointed as such, and
holds qualifications specified in sub-section (2) of section 5, and, is not a Judicial
Member;

(e) "handling", in relation to any hazardous substance, means the manufacture,

processing, treatment, package, storage, transportation, use, collection, destruction,
conversion, offering for sale, transfer or the like of such hazardous substance;

(f) "hazardous substance" means any substance or preparation which is defined as

hazardous substance in the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986(29 of 1986), and
exceeding such quantity as specified or may be specified by the Central Government
under the Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991(6 of 1991);

(g) "injury" includes permanent, partial or total disablement or sickness resulting out
of an accident;

(h) "Judicial Member" means a member of the Tribunal who is qualified to be appointed
as such under sub-section (1) of section 5 and includes the Chairperson;

(i) "notification" means a notification published in the Official Gazette;

(j) "person" includes--

(i) an individual,

(ii) a Hindu undivided family,

(iii) a company,

(iv) a firm,

(v) an association of persons or a body of individuals, whether incorporated or

not,

(vi) trustee of a trust,

(vii) a local authority, and

(viii) every artificial juridical person, not falling within any of the preceding subclauses;

(k) "prescribed" means prescribed by rules made under this Act;

(l) "Schedule" means Schedules I, II and III appended to this Act;

(m) "substantial question relating to environment" shall include an instance where,--

(i) there is a direct violation of a specific statutory environmental obligation by

a person by which,--

(A) the community at large other than an individual or group of

individuals is affected or likely to be affected by the environmental
consequences; or

(B) the gravity of damage to the environment or property is substantial;

or

(C) the damage to public health is broadly measurable;

(ii) the environmental consequences relate to a specific activity or a point

source of pollution;

(n) "Tribunal" means the National Green Tribunal established under section 3;

(o) "workman" has the meaning assigned to it in the Workmen's Compensation Act,
1923(8 of 1923).
(2) The words and expressions used in this Act but not defined herein and defined in the Water
(Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974(6 of 1974), the Water (Prevention and Control of
Pollution) Cess Act, 1977(36 of 1977), the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980(69 of 1980), the Air
(Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981(14 of 1981), the Environment (Protection) Act,
1986(29 of 1986), the Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991(6 of 1991) and the Biological Diversity Act,
2002(18 of 2003) and other Acts relating to environment shall have the meaning, respectively,
assigned to them in those Acts.

Section 1 - - Short title and commencement

(1) This Act may be called the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010.
(2) It shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may, by notification in the
Official Gazette, appoint.

Section 2 - - Definitions

(1) In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,--

(a) "accident" means an accident involving a fortuitous or sudden or unintended

occurrence while handling any hazardous substance or equipment, or plant, or vehicle
resulting in continuous or intermittent or repeated exposure to death, of, or, injury to,
any person or damage to any property or environment but does not include an
accident by reason only of war or civil disturbance;

(b) "Chairperson" means the Chairperson of the National Green Tribunal;

(c) "environment" includes water, air and land and the inter-relationship, which exists
among and between water, air and land and human beings, other living creatures,
plants, micro-organism and property;

(d) "Expert Member" means a member of the Tribunal who, is appointed as such, and
holds qualifications specified in sub-section (2) of section 5, and, is not a Judicial
Member;

(e) "handling", in relation to any hazardous substance, means the manufacture,

processing, treatment, package, storage, transportation, use, collection, destruction,
conversion, offering for sale, transfer or the like of such hazardous substance;

(f) "hazardous substance" means any substance or preparation which is defined as

hazardous substance in the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986(29 of 1986), and
exceeding such quantity as specified or may be specified by the Central Government
under the Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991(6 of 1991);

(g) "injury" includes permanent, partial or total disablement or sickness resulting out
of an accident;

(h) "Judicial Member" means a member of the Tribunal who is qualified to be appointed
as such under sub-section (1) of section 5 and includes the Chairperson;

(i) "notification" means a notification published in the Official Gazette;

(j) "person" includes--

(i) an individual,

(ii) a Hindu undivided family,

(iii) a company,

(iv) a firm,

(v) an association of persons or a body of individuals, whether incorporated or

not,

(vi) trustee of a trust,

(vii) a local authority, and

(viii) every artificial juridical person, not falling within any of the preceding subclauses;

(k) "prescribed" means prescribed by rules made under this Act;

(l) "Schedule" means Schedules I, II and III appended to this Act;

(m) "substantial question relating to environment" shall include an instance where,--

(i) there is a direct violation of a specific statutory environmental obligation by

a person by which,--

(A) the community at large other than an individual or group of

individuals is affected or likely to be affected by the environmental
consequences; or

(B) the gravity of damage to the environment or property is substantial;

or

(C) the damage to public health is broadly measurable;

(ii) the environmental consequences relate to a specific activity or a point

source of pollution;

(n) "Tribunal" means the National Green Tribunal established under section 3;

(o) "workman" has the meaning assigned to it in the Workmen's Compensation Act,
1923(8 of 1923).
(2) The words and expressions used in this Act but not defined herein and defined in the Water
(Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974(6 of 1974), the Water (Prevention and Control of
Pollution) Cess Act, 1977(36 of 1977), the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980(69 of 1980), the Air
(Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981(14 of 1981), the Environment (Protection) Act,
1986(29 of 1986), the Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991(6 of 1991) and the Biological Diversity Act,
2002(18 of 2003) and other Acts relating to environment shall have the meaning, respectively,
assigned to them in those Acts.

Chapter II - - Establishment of the Tribunal

The Central Government shall, by notification, establish, with effect from such date as may be
specified therein, a Tribunal to be known as the National Green Tribunal to exercise the jurisdiction,
powers and authority conferred on such Tribunal by or under this Act.

Section 4 - Composition of Tribunal

(1) The Tribunal shall consist of--

(a) a full time Chairperson;

(b) not less than ten but subject to maximum of twenty full time Judicial Members as
the Central Government may, from time to time, notify;

(c) not less than ten but subject to maximum of twenty full time Expert Members, as
the Central Government may, from time to time, notify.
(2) The Chairperson of the Tribunal may, if considered necessary, invite any one or more person
having specialised knowledge and experience in a particular case before the Tribunal to assist the
Tribunal in that case.
(3) The Central Government may, by notification, specify the ordinary place or places of sitting of the
Tribunal, and the territorial jurisdiction falling under each such place of sitting.
(4) The Central Government may, in consultation with the Chairperson of the Tribunal, make rules
regulating generally the practices and procedure of the Tribunal including--

(a) the rules as to the persons who shall be entitled to appear before the
Tribunal;

(b) the rules as to the procedure for hearing applications and appeals and other
matters [including the circuit procedure for hearing at a place other than the
ordinary place of its sitting falling within the jurisdiction referred to in subsection (3)], pertaining to the applications and appeals;

(c) the minimum number of Members who shall hear the applications and
appeals in respect of any class or classes of applications and appeals:

Provided that the number of Expert Members shall, in hearing an

application or appeal, be equal to the number of Judicial Members
hearing such application or appeal;

(d) rules relating to transfer of cases by the Chairperson from one place of
sitting (including the ordinary place of sitting) to other place of sitting.

Section 5 - Qualifications for appointment of Chairperson, Judicial Member and Expert

Member
(1) A person shall not be qualified for appointment as the Chairperson or Judicial Member of the
Tribunal unless he is, or has been, a Judge of the Supreme Court of India or Chief Justice of a High
Court:

Provided that a person who is or has been a Judge of the High Court shall also be
qualified to be appointed as a Judicial Member.
(2) A person shall not be qualified for appointment as an Expert Member, unless he,--

(a) has a degree in Master of Science (in physical sciences or life sciences) with a
Doctorate degree or Master of Engineering or Master of Technology and has an
experience of fifteen years in the relevant field including five years practical
experience in the field of environment and forests (including pollution control,
hazardous substance management, environment impact assessment, climate change
management, biological diversity management and forest conservation) in a reputed
National level institution; or

(b) has administrative experience of fifteen years including experience of five years in
dealing with environmental matters in the Central or a State Government or in a
reputed National or State level institution.
(3) The Chairperson, Judicial Member and Expert Member of the Tribunal shall not hold any other
office during their tenure as such.
(4) The Chairperson and other Judicial and Expert Members shall not, for a period of two years from
the date on which they cease to hold office, accept any employment in, or connected with the
management or administration of, any person who has been a party to a proceeding before the
Tribunal under this Act:

Provided that nothing contained in this section shall apply to any employment under
the Central Government or a State Government or local authority or in any statutory
authority or any corporation established by or under any Central, State or Provincial
Act or a Government company as defined in section 617 of the Companies Act, 1956(1
of 1956).

Section 6 - Appointment of Chairperson, Judicial Member and Expert Member

(1) Subject to the provisions of section 5, the Chairperson, Judicial Members and Expert Members of
the Tribunal shall be appointed by the Central Government.
(2) The Chairperson shall be appointed by the Central Government in consultation with the Chief
Justice of India.

(i) The Judicial Members and Expert Members of the Tribunal shall be appointed on the
recommendations of such Selection Committee and in such manner as may be
prescribed.

Section 7 - Term of office and other conditions of service of Chairperson, Judicial Member
and Expert Member
The Chairperson, Judicial Member and Expert Member of the Tribunal shall hold office as such for a
term of five years from the date on which they enter upon their office, but shall not be eligible for reappointment:

Provided that in case a person, who is or has been a Judge of the Supreme Court, has
been appointed as Chairperson or Judicial Member of the Tribunal, he shall not hold
office after he has attained the age of seventy years:

Provided further that in case a person, who is or has been the Chief Justice of a High
Court, has been appointed as Chairperson or Judicial Member of the Tribunal, he shall
not hold office after he has attained the age of sixty-seven years:

Provided also that in case a person, who is or has been a Judge of a High Court, has
been appointed as Judicial Member of the Tribunal, he shall not hold office after he has
attained the age of sixty-seven years:

Provided also that no Expert Member shall hold office after he has attained the age of
sixty-five years.

Section 8 - Resignation
The Chairperson, Judicial Member and Expert Member of the Tribunal may, by notice in writing under
their hand addressed to the Central Government, resign their office.

Section 9 - Salaries, allowances and other terms and conditions of service

The salaries and allowances payable to, and the other terms and conditions of service (including
pension, gratuity and other retirement benefits) of, the Chairperson, Judicial Member and Expert
Member of the Tribunal shall be such as may be prescribed:

Provided that neither the salary and allowances nor the other terms and conditions of
service of the Chairperson, Judicial Member and Expert Member shall be varied to their
disadvantage after their appointment.

Section 10 - Removal and suspension of Chairperson, Judicial Member and Expert Member
(1) The Central Government may, in consultation with the Chief Justice of India, remove from office of
the Chairperson or Judicial Member of the Tribunal, who,--

(a) has been adjudged an insolvent; or

(b) has been convicted of an offence which, in the opinion of the Central Government,
involves moral turpitude; or

(c) has become physically or mentally incapable; or

(d) has acquired such financial or other interest as is likely to affect prejudicially his
functions; or

(e) has so abused his position as to render his continuance in office prejudicial to the
public interest.
(2) The Chairperson or Judicial Member shall not be removed from his office except by an order made
by the Central Government after an inquiry made by a Judge of the Supreme Court in which such
Chairperson or Judicial Member has been informed of the charges against him and given a
reasonable opportunity of being heard in respect of those charges.
(3) The Central Government may suspend from office the Chairperson or Judicial Member in respect
of whom a reference of conducting an inquiry has been made to the Judge of the Supreme Court
under sub-section (2), until the Central Government passes an order on receipt of the report of
inquiry made by the Judge of the Supreme Court on such reference.
(4) The Central Government may, by rules, regulate the procedure for inquiry referred to in subsection (2).
(5) The Expert Member may be removed from his office by an order of the Central Government on
the grounds specified in sub-section (1) and in accordance with the procedure as may be notified by
the Central Government:

Provided that the Expert Member shall not be removed unless he has been given an
opportunity of being heard in the matter.

Section 11 - To act as Chairperson of Tribunal or to discharge his functions in certain

circumstances
In the event of the occurrence of any vacancy in the office of the Chairperson of the Tribunal, by
reason of his death, resignation or otherwise, such Judicial Member of the Tribunal as the Central
Government may, by notification, authorise in this behalf, shall act as the Chairperson until the date
on which a new Chairperson is appointed in accordance with the provisions of this Act.

Section 12 - Staff of Tribunal

(1) The Central Government shall determine the nature and categories of the officers and other

employees required to assist the Tribunal in the discharge of its functions.

(2) The recruitment of the officers and other employees of the Tribunal shall be made by the
Chairperson in such manner as may be prescribed.
(3) The officers and other employees of the Tribunal shall discharge their functions under the general
superintendence of the Chairperson.
(4) The salaries and allowances and conditions of service of the officers and other employees of the
Tribunal shall be such as may be prescribed.

Section 13 - Financial and administrative powers of Chairperson

The Chairperson of the Tribunal shall exercise such financial and administrative powers as may be
vested in him under the rules made by the Central Government:

Provided that the Chairperson may delegate such of his financial and administrative
powers, as he may think fit, to any Judicial Member or Expert Member or officer of the
Tribunal subject to the condition that the Member or such officer, while exercising such
delegated power, continues to act under the direction, control and supervision of the
Chairperson.

Section 3 - - Establishment of Tribunal

The Central Government shall, by notification, establish, with effect from such date as may be
specified therein, a Tribunal to be known as the National Green Tribunal to exercise the jurisdiction,
powers and authority conferred on such Tribunal by or under this Act.

Section 4 - - Composition of Tribunal

(1) The Tribunal shall consist of--

(a) a full time Chairperson;

(b) not less than ten but subject to maximum of twenty full time Judicial Members as

the Central Government may, from time to time, notify;

(c) not less than ten but subject to maximum of twenty full time Expert Members, as
the Central Government may, from time to time, notify.
(2) The Chairperson of the Tribunal may, if considered necessary, invite any one or more person
having specialised knowledge and experience in a particular case before the Tribunal to assist the
Tribunal in that case.
(3) The Central Government may, by notification, specify the ordinary place or places of sitting of the
Tribunal, and the territorial jurisdiction falling under each such place of sitting.
(4) The Central Government may, in consultation with the Chairperson of the Tribunal, make rules
regulating generally the practices and procedure of the Tribunal including--

(a) the rules as to the persons who shall be entitled to appear before the
Tribunal;

(b) the rules as to the procedure for hearing applications and appeals and other
matters [including the circuit procedure for hearing at a place other than the
ordinary place of its sitting falling within the jurisdiction referred to in subsection (3)], pertaining to the applications and appeals;

(c) the minimum number of Members who shall hear the applications and
appeals in respect of any class or classes of applications and appeals:

Provided that the number of Expert Members shall, in hearing an

application or appeal, be equal to the number of Judicial Members
hearing such application or appeal;

(d) rules relating to transfer of cases by the Chairperson from one place of
sitting (including the ordinary place of sitting) to other place of sitting.

Section 5 - - Qualifications for appointment of Chairperson, Judicial Member and Expert Member

(1) A person shall not be qualified for appointment as the Chairperson or Judicial Member of the
Tribunal unless he is, or has been, a Judge of the Supreme Court of India or Chief Justice of a High
Court:

Provided that a person who is or has been a Judge of the High Court shall also be
qualified to be appointed as a Judicial Member.

(2) A person shall not be qualified for appointment as an Expert Member, unless he,--

(a) has a degree in Master of Science (in physical sciences or life sciences) with a
Doctorate degree or Master of Engineering or Master of Technology and has an
experience of fifteen years in the relevant field including five years practical
experience in the field of environment and forests (including pollution control,
hazardous substance management, environment impact assessment, climate change
management, biological diversity management and forest conservation) in a reputed
National level institution; or

(b) has administrative experience of fifteen years including experience of five years in
dealing with environmental matters in the Central or a State Government or in a
reputed National or State level institution.
(3) The Chairperson, Judicial Member and Expert Member of the Tribunal shall not hold any other
office during their tenure as such.
(4) The Chairperson and other Judicial and Expert Members shall not, for a period of two years from
the date on which they cease to hold office, accept any employment in, or connected with the
management or administration of, any person who has been a party to a proceeding before the
Tribunal under this Act:

Provided that nothing contained in this section shall apply to any employment under
the Central Government or a State Government or local authority or in any statutory
authority or any corporation established by or under any Central, State or Provincial
Act or a Government company as defined in section 617 of the Companies Act, 1956(1
of 1956).

Section 6 - - Appointment of Chairperson, Judicial Member and Expert Member

(1) Subject to the provisions of section 5, the Chairperson, Judicial Members and Expert Members of
the Tribunal shall be appointed by the Central Government.
(2) The Chairperson shall be appointed by the Central Government in consultation with the Chief
Justice of India.

(i) The Judicial Members and Expert Members of the Tribunal shall be appointed on the
recommendations of such Selection Committee and in such manner as may be
prescribed.

Section 7 - - Term of office and other conditions of service of Chairperson, Judicial Member and
Expert Member

The Chairperson, Judicial Member and Expert Member of the Tribunal shall hold office as such for a
term of five years from the date on which they enter upon their office, but shall not be eligible for reappointment:

Provided that in case a person, who is or has been a Judge of the Supreme Court, has
been appointed as Chairperson or Judicial Member of the Tribunal, he shall not hold
office after he has attained the age of seventy years:

Provided further that in case a person, who is or has been the Chief Justice of a High
Court, has been appointed as Chairperson or Judicial Member of the Tribunal, he shall
not hold office after he has attained the age of sixty-seven years:

Provided also that in case a person, who is or has been a Judge of a High Court, has
been appointed as Judicial Member of the Tribunal, he shall not hold office after he has
attained the age of sixty-seven years:

Provided also that no Expert Member shall hold office after he has attained the age of
sixty-five years.

Section 8 - - Resignation

The Chairperson, Judicial Member and Expert Member of the Tribunal may, by notice in writing under
their hand addressed to the Central Government, resign their office.

Section 9 - - Salaries, allowances and other terms and conditions of service

The salaries and allowances payable to, and the other terms and conditions of service (including
pension, gratuity and other retirement benefits) of, the Chairperson, Judicial Member and Expert
Member of the Tribunal shall be such as may be prescribed:

Provided that neither the salary and allowances nor the other terms and conditions of

service of the Chairperson, Judicial Member and Expert Member shall be varied to their
disadvantage after their appointment.

Section 10 - - Removal and suspension of Chairperson, Judicial Member and Expert Member

(1) The Central Government may, in consultation with the Chief Justice of India, remove from office of
the Chairperson or Judicial Member of the Tribunal, who,--

(a) has been adjudged an insolvent; or

(b) has been convicted of an offence which, in the opinion of the Central Government,
involves moral turpitude; or

(c) has become physically or mentally incapable; or

(d) has acquired such financial or other interest as is likely to affect prejudicially his
functions; or

(e) has so abused his position as to render his continuance in office prejudicial to the
public interest.
(2) The Chairperson or Judicial Member shall not be removed from his office except by an order made
by the Central Government after an inquiry made by a Judge of the Supreme Court in which such
Chairperson or Judicial Member has been informed of the charges against him and given a
reasonable opportunity of being heard in respect of those charges.
(3) The Central Government may suspend from office the Chairperson or Judicial Member in respect
of whom a reference of conducting an inquiry has been made to the Judge of the Supreme Court
under sub-section (2), until the Central Government passes an order on receipt of the report of
inquiry made by the Judge of the Supreme Court on such reference.
(4) The Central Government may, by rules, regulate the procedure for inquiry referred to in subsection (2).
(5) The Expert Member may be removed from his office by an order of the Central Government on
the grounds specified in sub-section (1) and in accordance with the procedure as may be notified by
the Central Government:

Provided that the Expert Member shall not be removed unless he has been given an
opportunity of being heard in the matter.

Section 11 - - To act as Chairperson of Tribunal or to discharge his functions in certain

circumstances

In the event of the occurrence of any vacancy in the office of the Chairperson of the Tribunal, by
reason of his death, resignation or otherwise, such Judicial Member of the Tribunal as the Central
Government may, by notification, authorise in this behalf, shall act as the Chairperson until the date
on which a new Chairperson is appointed in accordance with the provisions of this Act.

Section 12 - - Staff of Tribunal

(1) The Central Government shall determine the nature and categories of the officers and other
employees required to assist the Tribunal in the discharge of its functions.
(2) The recruitment of the officers and other employees of the Tribunal shall be made by the
Chairperson in such manner as may be prescribed.
(3) The officers and other employees of the Tribunal shall discharge their functions under the general
superintendence of the Chairperson.
(4) The salaries and allowances and conditions of service of the officers and other employees of the
Tribunal shall be such as may be prescribed.

Section 13 - - Financial and administrative powers of Chairperson

The Chairperson of the Tribunal shall exercise such financial and administrative powers as may be
vested in him under the rules made by the Central Government:

Provided that the Chairperson may delegate such of his financial and administrative
powers, as he may think fit, to any Judicial Member or Expert Member or officer of the
Tribunal subject to the condition that the Member or such officer, while exercising such
delegated power, continues to act under the direction, control and supervision of the
Chairperson.

Chapter III - - Jurisdiction, powers and proceedings of the Tribunal

(1) The Tribunal shall have the jurisdiction over all civil cases where a substantial question relating to
environment (including enforcement of any legal right relating to environment), is involved and such
question arises out of the implementation of the enactments specified in Schedule I.
(2) The Tribunal shall hear the disputes arising from the questions referred to in sub-section (1) and
settle such disputes and pass order thereon.
(3) No application for adjudication of dispute under this section shall be entertained by the Tribunal
unless it is made within a period of six months from the date on which the cause of action for such
dispute first arose:

Provided that the Tribunal may, if it is satisfied that the applicant was prevented by
sufficient cause from filing the application within the said period, allow it to be filed
within a further period not exceeding sixty days.

Section 15 - Relief, compensation and restitution

(1) The Tribunal may, by an order, provide,--

(a) relief and compensation to the victims of pollution and other environmental
damage arising under the enactments specified in the Schedule I (including accident
occurring while handling any hazardous substance);

(b) for restitution of property damaged;

(c) for restitution of the environment for such area or areas, as the Tribunal may think
fit.
(2) The relief and compensation and restitution of property and environment referred to in clauses
(a), (b) and (c) of sub-section (1) shall be in addition to the relief paid or payable under the Public
Liability Insurance Act, 1991(6 of 1991).
(3) No application for grant of any compensation or relief or restitution of property or environment
under this section shall be entertained by the Tribunal unless it is made within a period of five years
from the date on which the cause for such compensation or relief first arose:

Provided that the Tribunal may, if it is satisfied that the applicant was prevented by
sufficient cause from filing the application within the said period, allow it to be filed
within a further period not exceeding sixty days.
(4) The Tribunal may, having regard to the damage to public health, property and environment,

divide the compensation or relief payable under separate heads specified in Schedule II so as to
provide compensation or relief to the claimants and for restitution of the damaged property or
environment, as it may think fit.
(5) Every claimant of the compensation or relief under this Act shall intimate to the Tribunal about
the application filed to, or, as the case may be, compensation or relief received from, any other court
or authority.

Section 16 - Tribunal to have appellate jurisdiction

Any person aggrieved by,--

(a) an order or decision, made, on or after the commencement of the National Green
Tribunal Act, 2010, by the appellate authority under section 28 of the Water
(Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974(6 of 1974);

(b) an order passed, on or after the commencement of the National Green Tribunal Act,
2010, by the State Government under section 29 of the Water (Prevention and Control
of Pollution) Act, 1974(6 of 1974);

(c) directions issued, on or after the commencement of the National Green Tribunal
Act, 2010, by a Board, under section 33A of the Water (Prevention and Control of
Pollution) Act, 1974(6 of 1974);

(d) an order or decision made, on or after the commencement of the National Green
Tribunal Act, 2010, by the appellate authority under section 13 of the Water
(Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act, 1977(36 of 1977);

(e) an order or decision made, on or after the commencement of the National Green
Tribunal Act, 2010, by the State Government or other authority under section 2 of the
Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980(69 of 1980);

(f) an order or decision, made, on or after the commencement of the National Green
Tribunal Act, 2010, by the Appellate Authority under section 31 of the Air (Prevention
and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981(14 of 1981);

(g) any direction issued, on or after the commencement of the National Green Tribunal
Act, 2010, under section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986(29 of 1986);

(h) an order made, on or after the commencement of the National Green Tribunal Act,
2010, granting environmental clearance in the area in which any industries, operations
or processes or class of industries, operations and processes shall not be carried out or
shall

be

carried

out

subject

to

certain

safeguards

under

the

Environment

(Protection)Act, 1986(29 of 1986);

(i) an order made, on or after the commencement of the National Green Tribunal Act,
2010, refusing to grant environmental clearance for carrying out any activity or
operation or process under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986(29 of 1986);

(j) any determination of benefit sharing or order made, on or after the commencement
of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, by the National Biodiversity Authority or a
State Biodiversity Board under the provisions of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002(18
of 2003), may, within a period of thirty days from the date on which the order or
decision or direction or determination is communicated to him, prefer an appeal to the
Tribunal:

Provided that the Tribunal may, if it is satisfied that the appellant was
prevented by sufficient cause from filing the appeal within the said period,
allow it to be filed under this section within a further period not exceeding sixty
days.

Section 17 - Liability to pay relief or compensation in certain cases

(1) Where death of, or injury to, any person (other than a workman) or damage to any property or
environment has resulted from an accident or the adverse impact of an activity or operation or
process, under any enactment specified in Schedule I, the person responsible shall be liable to pay
such relief or compensation for such death, injury or damage, under all or any of the heads specified
in Schedule II, as may be determined by the Tribunal.
(2) If the death, injury or damage caused by an accident or the adverse impact of an activity or
operation or process under any enactment specified in Schedule I cannot be attributed to any single
activity or operation or process but is the combined or resultant effect of several such activities,
operations and processes, the Tribunal may, apportion the liability for relief or compensation
amongst those responsible for such activities, operations and processes on an equitable basis.
(3) The Tribunal shall, in case of an accident, apply the principle of no fault.

Section 18 - Application or appeal to Tribunal

(1) Each application under sections 14 and 15 or an appeal under section 16 shall, be made to the
Tribunal in such form, contain such particulars, and, be accompanied by such documents and such
fees as may be prescribed.
(2) Without prejudice to the provisions contained in section 16, an application for grant of relief or
compensation or settlement of dispute may be made to the Tribunal by--

(a) the person, who has sustained the injury; or

(b) the owner of the property to which the damage has been caused; or

(c) where death has resulted from the environmental damage, by all or any of the legal
representatives of the deceased; or

(d) any agent duly authorised by such person or owner of such property or all or any of
the legal representatives of the deceased, as the case may be; or

(e) any person aggrieved, including any representative body or organisation; or

(f) the Central Government or a State Government or a Union territory Administration

or the Central Pollution Control Board or a State Pollution Control Board or a Pollution
Control Committee or a local authority, or any environmental authority constituted or
established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986(29 of 1986) or any other law
for the time being in force:

Provided that where all the legal representatives of the deceased have not
joined in any such application for compensation or relief or settlement of
dispute, the application shall be made on behalf of, or, for the benefit of all the
legal representatives of the deceased and the legal representatives who have
not so joined shall be impleaded as respondents to the application:

Provided further that the person, the owner, the legal representative, agent,
representative body or organisation shall not be entitled to make an application
for grant of relief or compensation or settlement of dispute if such person, the
owner, the legal representative, agent, representative body or organisation
have preferred an appeal under section 16.
(3) The application, or as the case may be, the appeal filed before the Tribunal under this Act shall be
dealt with by it as expeditiously as possible and endeavour shall be made by it to dispose of the
application, or, as the case may be, the appeal, finally within six months from the date of filing of the
application, or as the case may be, the appeal, after providing the parties concerned an opportunity
to be heard.

Section 19 - Procedure and powers of Tribunal

(1) The Tribunal shall not be bound by the procedure laid down by the Code of Civil Procedure,
1908(5 of 1908) but shall be guided by the principles of natural justice.
(2) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Tribunal shall have power to regulate its own procedure.
(3) The Tribunal shall also not be bound by the rules of evidence contained in the Indian Evidence

Act, 1872(1 of 1872).

(4) The Tribunal shall have, for the purposes of discharging its functions under this Act, the same
powers as are vested in a civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908(5 of 1908), while trying
a suit, in respect of the following matters, namely:--

(a) summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person and examining him on
oath;

(b) requiring the discovery and production of documents;

(c) receiving evidence on affidavits;

(d) subject to the provisions of sections 123 and 124 of the Indian Evidence Act,
1872(1 of 1872), requisitioning any public record or document or copy of such record
or document from any office;

(e) issuing commissions for the examination of witnesses or documents;

(f) reviewing its decision;

(g) dismissing an application for default or deciding it ex parte;

(h) setting aside any order of dismissal of any application for default or any order
passed by it ex parte;

(i) pass an interim order (including granting an injunction or stay) after providing the
parties concerned an opportunity to be heard, on any application made or appeal filed
under this Act;

(j) pass an order requiring any person to cease and desist from committing or causing
any violation of any enactment specified in Schedule I;

(k) any other matter which may be prescribed.

(5) All proceedings before the Tribunal shall be deemed to be the judicial proceedings within the
meaning of sections 193, 219 and 228 for the purposes of section 196 of the Indian Penal Code(45 of
1860) and the Tribunal shall be deemed to be a civil court for the purposes of section 195 and
Chapter XXVI of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973(2 of 1974).

Section 20 - Tribunal to apply certain principles

The Tribunal shall, while passing any order or decision or award, apply the principles of sustainable

development, the precautionary principle and the polluter pays principle.

Section 21 - Decision to be taken by majority

The decision of the Tribunal by majority of Members shall be binding:

Provided that if there is a difference of opinion among the Members hearing an

application or appeal, and the opinion is equally divided, the Chairperson shall hear (if
he has not heard earlier such application or appeal) such application or appeal and
decide:

Provided further that where the Chairperson himself has heard such application or
appeal alongwith other Members of the Tribunal, and if there is a difference of opinion
among the Members in such cases and the opinion is equally devided, he shall refer
the matter to other Members of the Tribunal who shall hear such application or appeal
and decide.

Section 22 - Appeal to Supreme Court

Any person aggrieved by any award, decision or order of the Tribunal, may, file an appeal to the
Supreme Court, within ninety days from the date of communication of the award, decision or order of
the Tribunal, to him, on any one or more of the grounds specified in section 100 of the Code of Civil
Procedure, 1908(5 of 1908):

Provided that the Supreme Court may entertain any appeal after the expiry of ninety
days, if it is satisfied that the appellant was prevented by sufficient cause from
preferring the appeal.

Section 23 - Cost
(1) While disposing of an application or an appeal under this Act, the Tribunal shall have power to
make such order as to costs, as it may consider necessary.
(2) Where the Tribunal holds that a claim is not maintainable, or is false or vexatious, and such claim
is disallowed, in whole or in part, the Tribunal may, if it so thinks fit, after recording its reasons for
holding such claim to be false or vexatious, make an order to award costs, including lost benefits due
to any interim injunction.

Section 24 - Deposit of amount payable for damage to environment

(1) Where any amount by way of compensation or relief is ordered to be paid under any award or

order made by the Tribunal on the ground of any damage to environment, that amount shall be
remitted to the authority specified under sub-section (3) of section 7A of the Public Liability
Insurance Act, 1991(6 of 1991) for being credited to the Environmental Relief Fund established under
that section.
(2) The amount of compensation or relief credited to the Environmental Relief Fund under subsection (1), may, notwithstanding anything contained in the Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991(6 of
1991), be utilised by such persons or authority, in such manner and for such purposes relating to
environment, as may be prescribed.

Section 25 - Execution of award or order or decision of Tribunal

(1) An award or order or decision of the Tribunal under this Act shall be executable by the Tribunal as
a decree of a civil court, and for this purpose, the Tribunal shall have all the powers of a civil court.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), the Tribunal may transmit any order or
award made by it to a civil court having local jurisdiction and such civil court shall execute the order
or award as if it were a decree made by that court.
(3) Where the person responsible, for death of, or injury to any person or damage to any property
and environment, against whom the award or order is made by the Tribunal, fails to make the
payment or deposit the amount as directed by the Tribunal within the period so specified in the
award or order, such amount, without prejudice to the filing of complaint for prosecution for an
offence under this Act or any other law for the time being in force, shall be recoverable from the
aforesaid person as arrears of land revenue or of public demand.

Section 14 - - Tribunal to settle disputes

(1) The Tribunal shall have the jurisdiction over all civil cases where a substantial question relating to
environment (including enforcement of any legal right relating to environment), is involved and such
question arises out of the implementation of the enactments specified in Schedule I.
(2) The Tribunal shall hear the disputes arising from the questions referred to in sub-section (1) and
settle such disputes and pass order thereon.
(3) No application for adjudication of dispute under this section shall be entertained by the Tribunal
unless it is made within a period of six months from the date on which the cause of action for such
dispute first arose:

Provided that the Tribunal may, if it is satisfied that the applicant was prevented by

sufficient cause from filing the application within the said period, allow it to be filed
within a further period not exceeding sixty days.

Section 15 - - Relief, compensation and restitution

(1) The Tribunal may, by an order, provide,--

(a) relief and compensation to the victims of pollution and other environmental
damage arising under the enactments specified in the Schedule I (including accident
occurring while handling any hazardous substance);

(b) for restitution of property damaged;

(c) for restitution of the environment for such area or areas, as the Tribunal may think
fit.
(2) The relief and compensation and restitution of property and environment referred to in clauses
(a), (b) and (c) of sub-section (1) shall be in addition to the relief paid or payable under the Public
Liability Insurance Act, 1991(6 of 1991).
(3) No application for grant of any compensation or relief or restitution of property or environment
under this section shall be entertained by the Tribunal unless it is made within a period of five years
from the date on which the cause for such compensation or relief first arose:

Provided that the Tribunal may, if it is satisfied that the applicant was prevented by
sufficient cause from filing the application within the said period, allow it to be filed
within a further period not exceeding sixty days.
(4) The Tribunal may, having regard to the damage to public health, property and environment,
divide the compensation or relief payable under separate heads specified in Schedule II so as to
provide compensation or relief to the claimants and for restitution of the damaged property or
environment, as it may think fit.
(5) Every claimant of the compensation or relief under this Act shall intimate to the Tribunal about
the application filed to, or, as the case may be, compensation or relief received from, any other court
or authority.

Section 16 - - Tribunal to have appellate jurisdiction

Any person aggrieved by,--

(a) an order or decision, made, on or after the commencement of the National Green
Tribunal Act, 2010, by the appellate authority under section 28 of the Water
(Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974(6 of 1974);

(b) an order passed, on or after the commencement of the National Green Tribunal Act,
2010, by the State Government under section 29 of the Water (Prevention and Control
of Pollution) Act, 1974(6 of 1974);

(c) directions issued, on or after the commencement of the National Green Tribunal
Act, 2010, by a Board, under section 33A of the Water (Prevention and Control of
Pollution) Act, 1974(6 of 1974);

(d) an order or decision made, on or after the commencement of the National Green
Tribunal Act, 2010, by the appellate authority under section 13 of the Water
(Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act, 1977(36 of 1977);

(e) an order or decision made, on or after the commencement of the National Green
Tribunal Act, 2010, by the State Government or other authority under section 2 of the
Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980(69 of 1980);

(f) an order or decision, made, on or after the commencement of the National Green
Tribunal Act, 2010, by the Appellate Authority under section 31 of the Air (Prevention
and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981(14 of 1981);

(g) any direction issued, on or after the commencement of the National Green Tribunal
Act, 2010, under section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986(29 of 1986);

(h) an order made, on or after the commencement of the National Green Tribunal Act,
2010, granting environmental clearance in the area in which any industries, operations
or processes or class of industries, operations and processes shall not be carried out or
shall

be

carried

out

subject

to

certain

safeguards

under

the

Environment

(Protection)Act, 1986(29 of 1986);

(i) an order made, on or after the commencement of the National Green Tribunal Act,
2010, refusing to grant environmental clearance for carrying out any activity or
operation or process under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986(29 of 1986);

(j) any determination of benefit sharing or order made, on or after the commencement
of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, by the National Biodiversity Authority or a
State Biodiversity Board under the provisions of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002(18
of 2003), may, within a period of thirty days from the date on which the order or

decision or direction or determination is communicated to him, prefer an appeal to the

Tribunal:

Provided that the Tribunal may, if it is satisfied that the appellant was
prevented by sufficient cause from filing the appeal within the said period,
allow it to be filed under this section within a further period not exceeding sixty
days.

Section 17 - - Liability to pay relief or compensation in certain cases

(1) Where death of, or injury to, any person (other than a workman) or damage to any property or
environment has resulted from an accident or the adverse impact of an activity or operation or
process, under any enactment specified in Schedule I, the person responsible shall be liable to pay
such relief or compensation for such death, injury or damage, under all or any of the heads specified
in Schedule II, as may be determined by the Tribunal.
(2) If the death, injury or damage caused by an accident or the adverse impact of an activity or
operation or process under any enactment specified in Schedule I cannot be attributed to any single
activity or operation or process but is the combined or resultant effect of several such activities,
operations and processes, the Tribunal may, apportion the liability for relief or compensation
amongst those responsible for such activities, operations and processes on an equitable basis.
(3) The Tribunal shall, in case of an accident, apply the principle of no fault.

Section 18 - - Application or appeal to Tribunal

(1) Each application under sections 14 and 15 or an appeal under section 16 shall, be made to the
Tribunal in such form, contain such particulars, and, be accompanied by such documents and such
fees as may be prescribed.
(2) Without prejudice to the provisions contained in section 16, an application for grant of relief or
compensation or settlement of dispute may be made to the Tribunal by--

(a) the person, who has sustained the injury; or

(b) the owner of the property to which the damage has been caused; or

(c) where death has resulted from the environmental damage, by all or any of the legal

representatives of the deceased; or

(d) any agent duly authorised by such person or owner of such property or all or any of
the legal representatives of the deceased, as the case may be; or

(e) any person aggrieved, including any representative body or organisation; or

(f) the Central Government or a State Government or a Union territory Administration

or the Central Pollution Control Board or a State Pollution Control Board or a Pollution
Control Committee or a local authority, or any environmental authority constituted or
established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986(29 of 1986) or any other law
for the time being in force:

Provided that where all the legal representatives of the deceased have not
joined in any such application for compensation or relief or settlement of
dispute, the application shall be made on behalf of, or, for the benefit of all the
legal representatives of the deceased and the legal representatives who have
not so joined shall be impleaded as respondents to the application:

Provided further that the person, the owner, the legal representative, agent,
representative body or organisation shall not be entitled to make an application
for grant of relief or compensation or settlement of dispute if such person, the
owner, the legal representative, agent, representative body or organisation
have preferred an appeal under section 16.
(3) The application, or as the case may be, the appeal filed before the Tribunal under this Act shall be
dealt with by it as expeditiously as possible and endeavour shall be made by it to dispose of the
application, or, as the case may be, the appeal, finally within six months from the date of filing of the
application, or as the case may be, the appeal, after providing the parties concerned an opportunity
to be heard.

Section 19 - - Procedure and powers of Tribunal

(1) The Tribunal shall not be bound by the procedure laid down by the Code of Civil Procedure,
1908(5 of 1908) but shall be guided by the principles of natural justice.
(2) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Tribunal shall have power to regulate its own procedure.
(3) The Tribunal shall also not be bound by the rules of evidence contained in the Indian Evidence
Act, 1872(1 of 1872).
(4) The Tribunal shall have, for the purposes of discharging its functions under this Act, the same

powers as are vested in a civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908(5 of 1908), while trying
a suit, in respect of the following matters, namely:--

(a) summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person and examining him on
oath;

(b) requiring the discovery and production of documents;

(c) receiving evidence on affidavits;

(d) subject to the provisions of sections 123 and 124 of the Indian Evidence Act,
1872(1 of 1872), requisitioning any public record or document or copy of such record
or document from any office;

(e) issuing commissions for the examination of witnesses or documents;

(f) reviewing its decision;

(g) dismissing an application for default or deciding it ex parte;

(h) setting aside any order of dismissal of any application for default or any order
passed by it ex parte;

(i) pass an interim order (including granting an injunction or stay) after providing the
parties concerned an opportunity to be heard, on any application made or appeal filed
under this Act;

(j) pass an order requiring any person to cease and desist from committing or causing
any violation of any enactment specified in Schedule I;

(k) any other matter which may be prescribed.

(5) All proceedings before the Tribunal shall be deemed to be the judicial proceedings within the
meaning of sections 193, 219 and 228 for the purposes of section 196 of the Indian Penal Code(45 of
1860) and the Tribunal shall be deemed to be a civil court for the purposes of section 195 and
Chapter XXVI of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973(2 of 1974).

Section 20 - - Tribunal to apply certain principles

The Tribunal shall, while passing any order or decision or award, apply the principles of sustainable

development, the precautionary principle and the polluter pays principle.

Section 21 - - Decision to be taken by majority

The decision of the Tribunal by majority of Members shall be binding:

Provided that if there is a difference of opinion among the Members hearing an

application or appeal, and the opinion is equally divided, the Chairperson shall hear (if
he has not heard earlier such application or appeal) such application or appeal and
decide:

Provided further that where the Chairperson himself has heard such application or
appeal alongwith other Members of the Tribunal, and if there is a difference of opinion
among the Members in such cases and the opinion is equally devided, he shall refer
the matter to other Members of the Tribunal who shall hear such application or appeal
and decide.

Section 22 - - Appeal to Supreme Court

Any person aggrieved by any award, decision or order of the Tribunal, may, file an appeal to the
Supreme Court, within ninety days from the date of communication of the award, decision or order of
the Tribunal, to him, on any one or more of the grounds specified in section 100 of the Code of Civil
Procedure, 1908(5 of 1908):

Provided that the Supreme Court may entertain any appeal after the expiry of ninety
days, if it is satisfied that the appellant was prevented by sufficient cause from
preferring the appeal.

Section 23 - - Cost

(1) While disposing of an application or an appeal under this Act, the Tribunal shall have power to
make such order as to costs, as it may consider necessary.
(2) Where the Tribunal holds that a claim is not maintainable, or is false or vexatious, and such claim

is disallowed, in whole or in part, the Tribunal may, if it so thinks fit, after recording its reasons for
holding such claim to be false or vexatious, make an order to award costs, including lost benefits due
to any interim injunction.

Section 24 - - Deposit of amount payable for damage to environment

(1) Where any amount by way of compensation or relief is ordered to be paid under any award or
order made by the Tribunal on the ground of any damage to environment, that amount shall be
remitted to the authority specified under sub-section (3) of section 7A of the Public Liability
Insurance Act, 1991(6 of 1991) for being credited to the Environmental Relief Fund established under
that section.
(2) The amount of compensation or relief credited to the Environmental Relief Fund under subsection (1), may, notwithstanding anything contained in the Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991(6 of
1991), be utilised by such persons or authority, in such manner and for such purposes relating to
environment, as may be prescribed.

Section 25 - - Execution of award or order or decision of Tribunal

(1) An award or order or decision of the Tribunal under this Act shall be executable by the Tribunal as
a decree of a civil court, and for this purpose, the Tribunal shall have all the powers of a civil court.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), the Tribunal may transmit any order or
award made by it to a civil court having local jurisdiction and such civil court shall execute the order
or award as if it were a decree made by that court.
(3) Where the person responsible, for death of, or injury to any person or damage to any property
and environment, against whom the award or order is made by the Tribunal, fails to make the
payment or deposit the amount as directed by the Tribunal within the period so specified in the
award or order, such amount, without prejudice to the filing of complaint for prosecution for an
offence under this Act or any other law for the time being in force, shall be recoverable from the
aforesaid person as arrears of land revenue or of public demand.

Chapter IV - - Penalty

(1) Whoever, fails to comply with any order or award or decision of the Tribunal under this Act, he
shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine
which may extend to ten crore rupees, or with both and in case the failure or contravention
continues, with additional fine which may extend to twenty-five thousand rupees for every day
during which such failure or contravention continues after conviction for the first such failure or
contravention:

Provided that in case a company fails to comply with any order or award or a decision
of the Tribunal under this Act, such company shall be punishable with fine which may
extend to twenty-five crore rupees, and in case the failure or contravention continues,
with additional fine which may extend to one lakh rupees for every day during which
such failure or contravention continues after conviction for the first such failure or
contravention.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973(2 of 1974), every
offence under this Act shall be deemed to be non-cognizable within the meaning of the said Code.

Section 27 - Offences by companies

(1) Where any offence under this Act has been committed by a company, every person who, at the
time the offence was committed, was directly in charge of, and was responsible to the company for
the conduct of the business of the company, as well as the company, shall be deemed to be guilty of
the offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly:

Provided that nothing contained in this sub-section shall render any such person liable
to any punishment provided in this Act, if he proves that the offence was committed
without his knowledge or that he had exercised all due diligence to prevent the
commission of such offence.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), where an offence under this Act has been
committed by the company and it is proved that the offence has been committed with the consent or
connivance of, or is attributable to any neglect on the part of, any director, manager, secretary or
other officer of the company, such director, manager, secretary or other officer shall also be deemed
to be guilty of that offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly

Explanation.-- For the purposes of this section,--

(a) "company" means any body corporate and includes a firm or other
association of individuals; and

(b) "director" in relation to a firm means a partner in the firm.

Section 28 - Offences by Government Department

(1) Where any Department of the Government fails to comply with any order or award or decision of
the Tribunal under this Act, the Head of the Department shall be deemed to be guilty of such failure
and shall be liable to be proceeded against for having committed an offence under this Act and
punished accordingly:

Provided that nothing contained in this section shall render such Head of the
Department liable to any punishment if he proves that the offence was committed
without his knowledge or that he exercised all due diligence to prevent the
commission of such offence.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), where an offence under this Act has been
committed by a Department of the Government and it is proved that the offence has been
committed with the consent or connivance of, or is attributable to any neglect on the part of any
officer, other than the Head of the Department, such officer shall also be deemed to be guilty of that
offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.

Section 26 - - Penalty for failure to comply with orders of Tribunal

(1) Whoever, fails to comply with any order or award or decision of the Tribunal under this Act, he
shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine
which may extend to ten crore rupees, or with both and in case the failure or contravention
continues, with additional fine which may extend to twenty-five thousand rupees for every day
during which such failure or contravention continues after conviction for the first such failure or
contravention:

Provided that in case a company fails to comply with any order or award or a decision
of the Tribunal under this Act, such company shall be punishable with fine which may
extend to twenty-five crore rupees, and in case the failure or contravention continues,
with additional fine which may extend to one lakh rupees for every day during which
such failure or contravention continues after conviction for the first such failure or
contravention.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973(2 of 1974), every
offence under this Act shall be deemed to be non-cognizable within the meaning of the said Code.

Section 27 - - Offences by companies

(1) Where any offence under this Act has been committed by a company, every person who, at the
time the offence was committed, was directly in charge of, and was responsible to the company for
the conduct of the business of the company, as well as the company, shall be deemed to be guilty of
the offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly:

Provided that nothing contained in this sub-section shall render any such person liable
to any punishment provided in this Act, if he proves that the offence was committed
without his knowledge or that he had exercised all due diligence to prevent the
commission of such offence.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), where an offence under this Act has been
committed by the company and it is proved that the offence has been committed with the consent or
connivance of, or is attributable to any neglect on the part of, any director, manager, secretary or
other officer of the company, such director, manager, secretary or other officer shall also be deemed
to be guilty of that offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly

Explanation.-- For the purposes of this section,--

(a) "company" means any body corporate and includes a firm or other
association of individuals; and

(b) "director" in relation to a firm means a partner in the firm.

Section 28 - - Offences by Government Department

(1) Where any Department of the Government fails to comply with any order or award or decision of
the Tribunal under this Act, the Head of the Department shall be deemed to be guilty of such failure
and shall be liable to be proceeded against for having committed an offence under this Act and
punished accordingly:

Provided that nothing contained in this section shall render such Head of the
Department liable to any punishment if he proves that the offence was committed
without his knowledge or that he exercised all due diligence to prevent the
commission of such offence.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), where an offence under this Act has been
committed by a Department of the Government and it is proved that the offence has been
committed with the consent or connivance of, or is attributable to any neglect on the part of any

officer, other than the Head of the Department, such officer shall also be deemed to be guilty of that
offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.

Chapter V - - Miscellaneous

(1) With effect from the date of establishment of the Tribunal under this Act, no civil court shall have
jurisdiction to entertain any appeal in respect of any matter, which the Tribunal is empowered to
determine under its appellate jurisdiction.
(2) No civil court shall have jurisdiction to settle dispute or entertain any question relating to any
claim for granting any relief or compensation or restitution of property damaged or environment
damaged which may be adjudicated upon by the Tribunal, and no injunction in respect of any action
taken or to be taken by or before the Tribunal in respect of the settlement of such dispute or any
such claim for granting any relief or compensation or restitution of property damaged or
environment damaged shall be granted by the civil court.

Section 30 - Cognizance of offences

(1) No court shall take cognizance of any offence under this Act except on a complaint made by--

(a) the Central Government or any authority or officer authorised in this behalf by that
Government; or

(b) any person who has given notice of not less than sixty days in such manner as may
be prescribed, of the alleged offence and of his intention to make a complaint, to the
Central Government or the authority or officer authorised as aforesaid.
(2) No court inferior to that of a Metropolitan Magistrate or, a Judicial Magistrate of the first class
shall try any offence punishable under this Act.

Section 31 - Members and staff of Tribunal to be public servants

The Chairperson, the Judicial and Expert Members, officers and other employees of the Tribunal shall
be deemed to be public servants within the meaning of section 21 of the Indian Penal Code(45 of
1860).

Section 32 - Protection of action taken in good faith

(1) No suit or other legal proceeding shall lie against the employees of the Central Government or a
State Government or any statutory authority, for anything which is in good faith done or intended to
be done in pursuance of this Act or any rule or order made thereunder.
(2) No suit, prosecution or other legal proceeding shall lie against the Chairperson or, Judicial
Member or Expert Member of the Tribunal or any other person authorised by the Chairperson or
Judicial Member or the Expert Member for anything which is in good faith done or intended to be
done in pursuance of this Act or any rule or order made thereunder.

Section 33 - Act to have overriding effect

The provisions of this Act, shall have effect notwithstanding anything inconsistent contained in any
other law for the time being in force or in any instrument having effect by virtue of any law other
than this Act.

Section 34 - Power to amend Schedule I

(1) The Central Government may, by notification, amend the Schedule I by including therein any
other Act, enacted by Parliament having regard to the objective of environmental protection and
conservation of natural resources, or omitting therefrom any Act already specified therein and on the
date of publication of such notification, such Act shall be deemed to be included in or, as the case
may be, omitted from the Schedule I.
(2) A copy of every notification proposed to be issued under sub-section (1), shall be laid in draft
before each House of Parliament, while it is in session, for a total period of thirty days which may be
comprised in one session or in two or more successive sessions, and if, before the expiry of the
session immediately following the session or the successive sessions aforesaid, both Houses agree in
disapproving the issue of the notification or both Houses agree in making any modification in the
notification, the notification shall not be issued or, as the case may be, shall be issued only in such
modified form as may be agreed upon by both the Houses.

Section 35 - Power to make rules

(1) The Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, make rules for carrying out
the provisions of this Act.
(2) In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such rules may
provide for all or any of the following matters, namely:--

(a) rules as to the persons who shall be entitled to appear before the Tribunal under
clause (a) of sub-section (4) of section 4;

(b) the procedure for hearing applications and appeals and other matters pertaining to
the applications and appeals under clause (b) of sub-section (4) of section 4;

(c) the minimum number of members who shall hear the applications and appeals in
respect of any class or classes of applications and appeals under clause (c) of subsection (4) of section 4;

(d) the transfer of cases by the Chairperson from one place of sitting (including the
ordinary place of sitting) to other place of sitting;

(e) the selection committee and the manner of appointment of the Judicial Member
and Expert Member of the Tribunal under sub-section (3) of section 6;

(f) the salaries and allowances payable to, and other terms and conditions of service
(including pension, gratuity and other retirement benefits) of, the Chairperson, Judicial
Member and Expert Member of the Tribunal under section 9;

(g) the procedure for inquiry of the charges against the Chairperson or Judicial Member
of the Tribunal under sub-section (4) of section 10;

(h) the recruitment of officers and other employees of the Tribunal under sub-section
(2) of section 12; and the salaries and allowances and other conditions of service of
the officers and other employees of the Tribunal under sub-section (4) of that section;

(i) the financial and administrative powers to be exercised by the Chairperson of the
Tribunal under section 13;

(j) the form of application or appeal, the particulars which it shall contain and the
documents to be accompanied by and the fees payable under sub-section (1) of
section 18;

(k) any such matter in respect of which the Tribunal shall have powers of a civil court
under clause (k) of sub-section (4) of section 19;

(l) the manner and the purposes for which the amount of compensation or relief
credited to the Environment Relief Fund shall be utilised under sub-section (2) of
section 24;

(m) the manner of giving notice to make a complaint under clause (b) of sub-section
(1) of section 30;

(n) any other matter which is required to be, or may be, specified by rules or in respect
of which provision is to be made by rules.

(3) Every rule made under this Act by the Central Government shall be laid, as soon as may be after
it is made, before each House of Parliament, while it is in session, for a total period of thirty days
which may be comprised in one session or in two or more successive sessions, and if, before the
expiry of the session immediately following the session or the successive sessions aforesaid, both
Houses agree in making any modification in the rule or both Houses agree that the rule should not be
made, the rule shall thereafter have effect only in such modified form or be of no effect, as the case
may be; so, however, that any such modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the
validity of anything previously done under that rule.

Section 36 - Amendment of certain enactments

The enactments specified in the Schedule III to this Act shall be amended in the manner specified
therein and such amendments shall take effect on the date of establishment of the Tribunal.

Section 37 - Power to remove difficulties

(1) If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions of this Act, the Central Government, may,
by order published in the Official Gazette, make such provisions, not inconsistent with the provisions
of this Act as may appear to it to be necessary for removing the difficulty:

Provided that no such order shall be made after the expiry of a period of two years
from the commencement of this Act.
(2) Every order made under this section shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made, before each
House of Parliament.

Section 38 - Repeal and savings

(1) The National Environment Tribunal Act, 1995(27 of 1995) and the National Environment Appellate
Authority Act, 1997(22 of 1997) are hereby repealed (hereinafter referred to as the repealed Act).
(2) Notwithstanding such repeal, anything done or any action taken under the said Acts shall be
deemed to have been done or taken under the corresponding provisions of this Act.
(3) The National Environment Appellate Authority established under sub-section (1) of section 3 of
the National Environment Appellate Authority Act, 1997(22 of 1997), shall, on the establishment of
the National Green Tribunal under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, stand dissolved.
(4) On the dissolution of the National Environment Appellate Authority established under sub-section
(1) of section 3 of the National Environment Appellate Authority Act, 1997(22 of 1997), the persons
appointed as the Chairperson, Vice-chairperson and every other person appointed as Member of the
said National Environment Appellate Authority and holding office as such immediately before the

establishment of the National Green Tribunal under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, shall
vacate their respective offices and no such Chairperson, Vice-chairperson and every other person
appointed as Member shall be entitled to claim any compensation for the premature termination of
the term of his office or of any contract of service.
(5) All cases pending before the National Environment Appellate Authority established under subsection (1) of section 3 of the National Environment Appellate Authority Act, 1997(22 of 1997) on or
before the establishment of the National Green Tribunal under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010,
shall, on such establishment, stand transferred to the said National Green Tribunal and the National
Green Tribunal shall dispose of such cases as if they were cases filed under that Act.
(6) The officers or other employees who have been, immediately before the dissolution of the
National Environment Appellate Authority appointed on deputation basis to the National Environment
Appellate Authority, shall, on such dissolution, stand reverted to their parent cadre, Ministry or
Department, as the case may be.
(7) On the dissolution of the National Environment Appellate Authority, the officers and other
employees appointed on contract basis under the National Environment Appellate Authority and
holding office as such immediately before such dissolution, shall vacate their respective offices and
such officers and other employees shall be entitled to claim compensation for three months' pay and
allowances or pay and allowances for the remaining period of service, whichever is less, for the
premature termination of term of their office under their contract of service.
(8) The mention of the particular matters referred to in sub-sections (2) to (7) shall not be held to
prejudice or affect the general application of section 6 of the General Clauses Act, 1897(10 of 1897)
with regard to the effect of repeal.

Section 29 - - Bar of jurisdiction

(1) With effect from the date of establishment of the Tribunal under this Act, no civil court shall have
jurisdiction to entertain any appeal in respect of any matter, which the Tribunal is empowered to
determine under its appellate jurisdiction.
(2) No civil court shall have jurisdiction to settle dispute or entertain any question relating to any
claim for granting any relief or compensation or restitution of property damaged or environment
damaged which may be adjudicated upon by the Tribunal, and no injunction in respect of any action
taken or to be taken by or before the Tribunal in respect of the settlement of such dispute or any
such claim for granting any relief or compensation or restitution of property damaged or
environment damaged shall be granted by the civil court.

Section 30 - - Cognizance of offences

(1) No court shall take cognizance of any offence under this Act except on a complaint made by--

(a) the Central Government or any authority or officer authorised in this behalf by that
Government; or

(b) any person who has given notice of not less than sixty days in such manner as may
be prescribed, of the alleged offence and of his intention to make a complaint, to the
Central Government or the authority or officer authorised as aforesaid.
(2) No court inferior to that of a Metropolitan Magistrate or, a Judicial Magistrate of the first class
shall try any offence punishable under this Act.

Section 31 - - Members and staff of Tribunal to be public servants

The Chairperson, the Judicial and Expert Members, officers and other employees of the Tribunal shall
be deemed to be public servants within the meaning of section 21 of the Indian Penal Code(45 of
1860).

Section 32 - - Protection of action taken in good faith

(1) No suit or other legal proceeding shall lie against the employees of the Central Government or a
State Government or any statutory authority, for anything which is in good faith done or intended to
be done in pursuance of this Act or any rule or order made thereunder.
(2) No suit, prosecution or other legal proceeding shall lie against the Chairperson or, Judicial
Member or Expert Member of the Tribunal or any other person authorised by the Chairperson or
Judicial Member or the Expert Member for anything which is in good faith done or intended to be
done in pursuance of this Act or any rule or order made thereunder.

Section 33 - - Act to have overriding effect

The provisions of this Act, shall have effect notwithstanding anything inconsistent contained in any
other law for the time being in force or in any instrument having effect by virtue of any law other
than this Act.

Section 34 - - Power to amend Schedule I

(1) The Central Government may, by notification, amend the Schedule I by including therein any
other Act, enacted by Parliament having regard to the objective of environmental protection and
conservation of natural resources, or omitting therefrom any Act already specified therein and on the
date of publication of such notification, such Act shall be deemed to be included in or, as the case
may be, omitted from the Schedule I.
(2) A copy of every notification proposed to be issued under sub-section (1), shall be laid in draft
before each House of Parliament, while it is in session, for a total period of thirty days which may be
comprised in one session or in two or more successive sessions, and if, before the expiry of the
session immediately following the session or the successive sessions aforesaid, both Houses agree in
disapproving the issue of the notification or both Houses agree in making any modification in the
notification, the notification shall not be issued or, as the case may be, shall be issued only in such
modified form as may be agreed upon by both the Houses.

Section 35 - - Power to make rules

(1) The Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, make rules for carrying out
the provisions of this Act.
(2) In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such rules may
provide for all or any of the following matters, namely:--

(a) rules as to the persons who shall be entitled to appear before the Tribunal under
clause (a) of sub-section (4) of section 4;

(b) the procedure for hearing applications and appeals and other matters pertaining to
the applications and appeals under clause (b) of sub-section (4) of section 4;

(c) the minimum number of members who shall hear the applications and appeals in
respect of any class or classes of applications and appeals under clause (c) of sub-

section (4) of section 4;

(d) the transfer of cases by the Chairperson from one place of sitting (including the
ordinary place of sitting) to other place of sitting;

(e) the selection committee and the manner of appointment of the Judicial Member
and Expert Member of the Tribunal under sub-section (3) of section 6;

(f) the salaries and allowances payable to, and other terms and conditions of service
(including pension, gratuity and other retirement benefits) of, the Chairperson, Judicial
Member and Expert Member of the Tribunal under section 9;

(g) the procedure for inquiry of the charges against the Chairperson or Judicial Member
of the Tribunal under sub-section (4) of section 10;

(h) the recruitment of officers and other employees of the Tribunal under sub-section
(2) of section 12; and the salaries and allowances and other conditions of service of
the officers and other employees of the Tribunal under sub-section (4) of that section;

(i) the financial and administrative powers to be exercised by the Chairperson of the
Tribunal under section 13;

(j) the form of application or appeal, the particulars which it shall contain and the
documents to be accompanied by and the fees payable under sub-section (1) of
section 18;

(k) any such matter in respect of which the Tribunal shall have powers of a civil court
under clause (k) of sub-section (4) of section 19;

(l) the manner and the purposes for which the amount of compensation or relief
credited to the Environment Relief Fund shall be utilised under sub-section (2) of
section 24;

(m) the manner of giving notice to make a complaint under clause (b) of sub-section
(1) of section 30;

(n) any other matter which is required to be, or may be, specified by rules or in respect
of which provision is to be made by rules.
(3) Every rule made under this Act by the Central Government shall be laid, as soon as may be after
it is made, before each House of Parliament, while it is in session, for a total period of thirty days
which may be comprised in one session or in two or more successive sessions, and if, before the
expiry of the session immediately following the session or the successive sessions aforesaid, both

Houses agree in making any modification in the rule or both Houses agree that the rule should not be
made, the rule shall thereafter have effect only in such modified form or be of no effect, as the case
may be; so, however, that any such modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the
validity of anything previously done under that rule.

Section 36 - - Amendment of certain enactments

The enactments specified in the Schedule III to this Act shall be amended in the manner specified
therein and such amendments shall take effect on the date of establishment of the Tribunal.

Section 37 - - Power to remove difficulties

(1) If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions of this Act, the Central Government, may,
by order published in the Official Gazette, make such provisions, not inconsistent with the provisions
of this Act as may appear to it to be necessary for removing the difficulty:

Provided that no such order shall be made after the expiry of a period of two years
from the commencement of this Act.
(2) Every order made under this section shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made, before each
House of Parliament.

Section 38 - - Repeal and savings

(1) The National Environment Tribunal Act, 1995(27 of 1995) and the National Environment Appellate
Authority Act, 1997(22 of 1997) are hereby repealed (hereinafter referred to as the repealed Act).
(2) Notwithstanding such repeal, anything done or any action taken under the said Acts shall be
deemed to have been done or taken under the corresponding provisions of this Act.
(3) The National Environment Appellate Authority established under sub-section (1) of section 3 of
the National Environment Appellate Authority Act, 1997(22 of 1997), shall, on the establishment of
the National Green Tribunal under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, stand dissolved.
(4) On the dissolution of the National Environment Appellate Authority established under sub-section

(1) of section 3 of the National Environment Appellate Authority Act, 1997(22 of 1997), the persons
appointed as the Chairperson, Vice-chairperson and every other person appointed as Member of the
said National Environment Appellate Authority and holding office as such immediately before the
establishment of the National Green Tribunal under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, shall
vacate their respective offices and no such Chairperson, Vice-chairperson and every other person
appointed as Member shall be entitled to claim any compensation for the premature termination of
the term of his office or of any contract of service.
(5) All cases pending before the National Environment Appellate Authority established under subsection (1) of section 3 of the National Environment Appellate Authority Act, 1997(22 of 1997) on or
before the establishment of the National Green Tribunal under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010,
shall, on such establishment, stand transferred to the said National Green Tribunal and the National
Green Tribunal shall dispose of such cases as if they were cases filed under that Act.
(6) The officers or other employees who have been, immediately before the dissolution of the
National Environment Appellate Authority appointed on deputation basis to the National Environment
Appellate Authority, shall, on such dissolution, stand reverted to their parent cadre, Ministry or
Department, as the case may be.
(7) On the dissolution of the National Environment Appellate Authority, the officers and other
employees appointed on contract basis under the National Environment Appellate Authority and
holding office as such immediately before such dissolution, shall vacate their respective offices and
such officers and other employees shall be entitled to claim compensation for three months' pay and
allowances or pay and allowances for the remaining period of service, whichever is less, for the
premature termination of term of their office under their contract of service.
(8) The mention of the particular matters referred to in sub-sections (2) to (7) shall not be held to
prejudice or affect the general application of section 6 of the General Clauses Act, 1897(10 of 1897)
with regard to the effect of repeal.

Schedule I - - SCHEDULE I

SCHEDULE I

[See sections 14(1), 15(1), 17(1)(a), 17(2), 19(4) (j) and 34(1)]
1. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974;
2. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act, 1977;
3. The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980;
4. The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981;

5. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986;

6. The Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991;
7. The Biological Diversity Act, 2002.

Schedule II - - SCHEDULE II

SCHEDULE II

[See sections 15(4) and 17(1)]

Heads under which compensation or relief for damage may be claimed

(a) Death;

(b) Permanent, temporary, total or partial disability or other injury or sickness;

(c) Loss of wages due to total or partial disability or permanent or temporary disability;

(d) Medical expenses incurred for treatment of injuries or sickness;

(e) Damages to private property;

(f) Expenses incurred by the Government or any local authority in providing relief, aid
and rehabilitation to the affected persons;

(g) Expenses incurred by the Government for any administrative or legal action or to
cope

with

any

harm

or

damage,

including

compensation

for

environmental

degradation and restoration of the quality of environment;

(h) Loss to the Government or local authority arising out of, or connected with, the
activity causing any damage;

(i) Claims on account of any harm, damage or destruction to the fauna including milch
and draught animals and aquatic fauna;

(j) Claims on account of any harm, damage or destruction to flora including aquatic
flora, crops, vegetables, trees and orchards;

(k) Claims including cost of restoration on account of any harm or damage to

environment including pollution of soil, air, water, land and eco-systems;

(l) Loss and destruction of any property other than private property;

(m) Loss of business or employment or both;

(n) Any other claim arising out of, or connected with, any activity of handling of
hazardous substance.

Schedule III - - SCHEDULE III

SCHEDULE III

(See section 36)

Amendment to certain enactments

PART I

Amendment to the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974

(6 of 1974)
Insertion of new section 33B.--

After section 33A, the following section shall be inserted, namely:--

"33B. Appeal to National Green Tribunal.--Any person aggrieved by,--

(a) an order or decision of the appellate authority under section 28,

made on or after the commencement of the National Green Tribunal Act,
2010; or

(b) an order passed by the State Government under section 29, on or

after the commencement of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010; or

(c) directions issued under section 33A by a Board, on or after the

commencement of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010,

may file an appeal to the National Green Tribunal established under section 3 of
the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, in accordance with the provisions of that
Act.".

PART II

Amendments to the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act, 1977

(36 of 1977)

1. Amendment of section 13.-In section 13, in sub-section (4), for the words "shall be final", the words, figures and letters "shall, if
no appeal has been filed under section 13A, be final" shall be substituted.

2. Insertion of new section 13A.-After section 13, the following section shall be inserted, namely:--

"13A. Appeal to National Green Tribunal.--

Any person aggrieved, by an order or decision of the appellate authority made

under section 13, on or after the commencement of the National Green Tribunal
Act, 2010, may file an appeal to the National Green Tribunal established under
section 3 of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, in accordance with the
provisions of that Act.".

PART III

Amendment to the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980

(69 of 1980)
Insertion of new section 2A.--After section 2, the following section shall be inserted, namely:--

"2A. Appeal to National Green Tribunal.--

Any person aggrieved, by an order or decision of the State Government or

other authority made under section 2, on or after the commencement of the
National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, may file an appeal to the National Green
Tribunal established under section 3 of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, in
accordance with the provisions of that Act.".

PART IV

Amendment to the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981

(14 of 1981)
Insertion of new section 31B.--After section 31A, the following section shall be inserted, namely:--

"31B. Appeal to National Green Tribunal.--

Any person aggrieved by an order or decision of the Appellate Authority under

section 31, made on or after the commencement of the National Green Tribunal
Act, 2010, may file an appeal to the National Green Tribunal established under
section 3 of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, in accordance with the
provisions of that Act.".

PART V

Amendment to the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986

(29 of 1986)
Insertion of new section 5A.--After section 5, the following section shall be inserted, namely:--

"5A. Appeal to National Green Tribunal.--

Any person aggrieved by any directions issued under section 5, on or after the
commencement of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, may file an appeal to
the National Green Tribunal established under section 3 of the National Green
Tribunal Act, 2010, in accordance with the provisions of that Act.".

PART VI

Amendments to the Biological Diversity Act, 2002

(18 of 2003)
1. Amendment of section 52.--

In section 52, after the proviso, the following provisos shall be inserted, namely:--

"Provided further that nothing contained in this section shall apply on and from
the commencement of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010:

Provided also that any appeal pending before the High Court, before the
commencement of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, shall continue to be
heard and disposed of by the High Court as if the National Green Tribunal had
not been established under section 3 of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010.".
2. Insertion of new section 52A.--

After section 52, the following section shall be inserted, namely:--

"52A. Appeal to National Green Tribunal.--

Any person aggrieved by any determination of benefit sharing or order

of the National Biodiversity Authority or a State Biodiversity Board under
this Act, on or after the commencement of the National Green Tribunal
Act, 2010, may file an appeal to the National Green Tribunal established
under section 3 of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, in accordance
with the provisions of that Act.".

Main - NATIONAL GREEN TRIBUNAL ACT, 2010

Preamble1 - THE NATIONAL GREEN TRIBUNAL ACT, 2010
Chapter I
Section1 - Short title and commencement
Section2 - Definitions
Chapter II
Section3 - Establishment of Tribunal
Section4 - Composition of Tribunal
Section5 - Qualifications for appointment of Chairperson, Judicial Member and Expert Member
Section6 - Appointment of Chairperson, Judicial Member and Expert Member
Section7 - Term of office and other conditions of service of Chairperson, Judicial Member and Expert
Member
Section8 - Resignation
Section9 - Salaries, allowances and other terms and conditions of service
Section10 - Removal and suspension of Chairperson, Judicial Member and Expert Member
Section11 - To act as Chairperson of Tribunal or to discharge his functions in certain circumstances
Section12 - Staff of Tribunal
Section13 - Financial and administrative powers of Chairperson
Chapter III
Section14 - Tribunal to settle disputes
Section15 - Relief, compensation and restitution
Section16 - Tribunal to have appellate jurisdiction
Section17 - Liability to pay relief or compensation in certain cases
Section18 - Application or appeal to Tribunal
Section19 - Procedure and powers of Tribunal
Section20 - Tribunal to apply certain principles
Section21 - Decision to be taken by majority

Section22 - Appeal to Supreme Court

Section23 - Cost
Section24 - Deposit of amount payable for damage to environment
Section25 - Execution of award or order or decision of Tribunal
Chapter IV
Section26 - Penalty for failure to comply with orders of Tribunal
Section27 - Offences by companies
Section28 - Offences by Government Department
Chapter V
Section29 - Bar of jurisdiction
Section30 - Cognizance of offences
Section31 - Members and staff of Tribunal to be public servants
Section32 - Protection of action taken in good faith
Section33 - Act to have overriding effect
Section34 - Power to amend Schedule I
Section35 - Power to make rules
Section36 - Amendment of certain enactments
Section37 - Power to remove difficulties
Section38 - Repeal and savings
ScheduleI - SCHEDULE I
ScheduleII - SCHEDULE II
ScheduleIII - SCHEDULE III