A landmark 2021 judgment by the Supreme Court was unequivocal: the National Green Tribunal (NGT) is not a mere adjudicatory body but a “specialized” protector tasked with fostering environmental justice and equity. An investigation by The Indian Express of over 100,000 NGT orders since 2020 reveals a deepening asymmetry. Environmental lawyer Ritwik Dutta underlined how getting turned down by the NGT marks the end of the road for many. “Adverse NGT rulings can be challenged at the High Court and Supreme Court. The remaining 126 got relief from the NGT benches that set aside adverse government orders and called for re-evaluation.

Source: Indian Express February 26, 2026 01:33 UTC