Jurisdiction - power of National Green Tribunal (NGT) to...

Jurisdiction - power of National Green Tribunal (NGT) to exercise Suo Motu jurisdiction - The NGT, with the distinct role envisaged for it, can hardly afford to remain a mute spectator when no-one knocks on its door. The forum itself has correctly identified the need for collective stratagem for addressing environmental concerns. Such a society centric approach must be allowed to work within the established safety valves of the principles of natural justice and appeal to the Supreme Court. The hands-off mode for the NGT, when faced with exigencies requiring immediate and effective response, would debilitate the forum from discharging its responsibility and this must be ruled out in the interest of justice. - NGT is vested with suo motu power in discharge of its functions under the NGT Act. - SC