Which one of the following statements about the National Green Tribunal (NGT) is not correct?

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: It is strictly bound by the detailed procedures laid down under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This question tests knowledge about the National Green Tribunal, a specialised body established to handle environmental disputes in India. Understanding its powers, objectives and procedures is important for questions related to environmental governance and law.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The subject is the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
  • Four statements describe its year of establishment, objectives, powers and procedural rules.
  • We must identify which statement is not correct.


Concept / Approach:
The National Green Tribunal was set up under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010. It is designed to handle environmental cases quickly, applying principles of natural justice rather than being rigidly bound by the full Code of Civil Procedure. It can order relief, compensation and restorative measures in environmental matters.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Examine option A. The year 2010 is accurate, as the NGT Act was enacted in that year and the tribunal started functioning soon thereafter.Step 2: Option B states that the NGT aims at effective and expeditious disposal of environmental cases, which matches its core purpose.Step 3: Option C mentions that the NGT may grant relief and compensation for damages to people and property, a power explicitly given by its founding Act.Step 4: Option D claims that the NGT is strictly bound by the detailed procedures of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908. In reality, the Act clearly states that the NGT is not bound by the Code and shall instead be guided by principles of natural justice, giving it procedural flexibility.Step 5: Therefore, option D is the statement that is not correct.


Verification / Alternative check:
A quick check is to remember that several specialised tribunals, including the NGT, were created to overcome the slow and formal nature of regular civil courts. To achieve this, they are allowed to follow more flexible procedures rather than strictly following the Code of Civil Procedure.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A is not wrong because it correctly mentions the year of establishment.
Option B is not wrong because the objective of speedy resolution of environmental disputes is central to the NGT's mandate.
Option C is not wrong because the NGT can and does award compensation or relief for environmental damage, including orders for restoration.


Common Pitfalls:
Students may assume that every judicial or quasi judicial body must automatically follow the Code of Civil Procedure. However, many tribunals are intentionally given freedom from strict procedural codes to allow for quicker and more specialised decision making.


Final Answer:
The statement that is not correct is that the National Green Tribunal is strictly bound by the detailed procedures of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.

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