In a significant move to address the functioning challenges of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in Pune, the Supreme Court has allowed the formation of a bench with one member participating virtually. This order, dated July 18, was issued by Justices B.R. Gavai, K.V. Viswanathan, and Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh.
The decision stems from a case where the Supreme Court had directed all matters under the jurisdiction of the Pune. It is also called Pune Western Zone, to be handled by the NGT Pune Bench. This followed the 2022 Supreme Court stay on a Bombay High Court order. It had quashed administrative notices. Thus, transferring cases from the Pune Bench to special benches at the NGT Principal Seat in New Delhi.
The Supreme Court had previously ensured two members (one judicial and one expert) available for the Western Zone Bench. All relevant cases, including those from Goa and Maharashtra, would be heard solely by the Pune Bench.
However, during the recent hearing, Senior Advocate Arvind P. Datar, representing the NGT, highlighted that one of the Pune members is suffering from a medical condition requiring frequent hospitalisation. This health issue has significantly hindered the bench’s functionality, leading to a backlog of cases.
To mitigate this issue, Advocate Datar requested that the court allow another member to join the Pune bench virtually. Considering the circumstances, the Supreme Court issued the following order:
“We, therefore, clarify that our order dated 18.10.2022 will not come in the way of the NGT in constituting a Bench at Pune with one of the members stationed at Pune along with another member either at Principal Seat or other Benches, who shall join virtually.”
This decision is expected to help the NGT Pune manage its caseload more efficiently, ensuring timely justice in environmental matters.
