Question

Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct regarding National Green Tribunal (NGT) of India?

• A. NGT Act 2010 draws inspiration from the India's constitutional provision of Article 21 - Protection of life and personal liberty, which assures the citizens of India the right to a healthy environment.
• B. A retired Judge of the Supreme Court, can be the Chairperson of the NGT.
• C. NGT Act 2017 is based on the India's constitutional provision of Article 361 - Protection of Biodiversity and Environmental Protection, which bestows the citizens of India with a duty to protect all abiotic and biotic components of the environment.
• D. The NGT is mandated to make and endeavor for disposal of applications or appeals finally within 45 days of filing of the same.

Hint:

The National Green Tribunal strengthens environmental governance in India and derives constitutional backing primarily from Article 21.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A, B

Option (A): True
The NGT Act 2010 is indeed grounded in Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to life, interpreted by the Supreme Court to include the right to a clean and healthy environment. Hence, the NGT draws constitutional support from Article 21.
Option (B): True
A retired Supreme Court Judge or a Chief Justice of a High Court is eligible to be appointed as the Chairperson of the NGT, as per Section 5 of the NGT Act 2010. Hence, this statement is correct.
Option (C): False
There is no “NGT Act 2017.” The correct act is the NGT Act 2010. Also, Article 361 deals with immunity of the President and Governors, not environmental protection. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.
Option (D): False
The NGT aims to dispose of cases within 6 months, not 45 days. So this statement is incorrect.
Final Answer: (A), (B)