Senior Congress leader and former Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh has launched a scathing attack on the central government, alleging that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has been systematically weakened over the past decade. Citing a recent media report and study, Ramesh claimed that during the first six months of 2026, the NGT failed to deliver a single favorable verdict for environmental or public interest appellants on merits.
Data and Transparency Concerns at NGT
Sharing the findings of a study published by the 'South Asian Reporter for Environment Laws' on September 19, 2026, Ramesh pointed out alarming statistics. Between January and June 2026, out of 119 appeals filed across five NGT benches, 52 were summarily dismissed on procedural grounds. Legal experts have often expressed concern over procedural technicalities acting as a massive barrier for common citizens seeking environmental justice.
Industrial Appellants Enjoying Higher Success Rates
According to the data highlighted by the Congress leader, out of 67 appeals heard on merits, 51 were filed by industries, project proponents, or property owners. Remarkably, nearly 60 percent of these industrial appeals—totaling around 30 cases—resulted in favorable orders. In stark contrast, all 16 appeals filed by environmentalists or public interest groups seeking ecological protection were dismissed, leaving them with zero relief.
A Call to Return to the Original Mandate
The former environment minister urged the tribunal to reconnect with the core spirit and original objectives of the NGT Act, which came into effect on June 2, 2010. Designed specifically for the effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and natural resources, the tribunal's current trajectory is facing renewed scrutiny from opposition parties and environmental circles.
