Section 14 of NGT : Section 14: Tribunal To Settle Disputes

Explanation using Example

Let's consider a hypothetical scenario to understand the application of Section 14 of The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010.

Imagine a situation where a large manufacturing company has been dumping its industrial waste into a nearby river, causing severe pollution and harming the local ecosystem. A group of local residents, alarmed by the environmental damage, decide to file a civil case against the company. As this case involves a substantial question related to the environment and the enforcement of environmental rights, it falls under the jurisdiction of the National Green Tribunal as per Section 14(1).

The Tribunal, as per Section 14(2), will hear the dispute and pass an order to settle it. Suppose the residents noticed the pollution six months ago but only recently understood its source and impact. They can still file the case within a period of six months from the date they first became aware of the pollution, as per Section 14(3). If for some reason, they were unable to file the case within this period, the Tribunal may still allow the case to be filed within a further period not exceeding sixty days if it is satisfied that there was a valid reason for the delay.