National Green Tribunal: A new beginning for environmental
cases? National Green Tribunal or the Environmental Court is not
a new concept. Different courts in the country have recommended
the establishment of Environmental Court to take up the cases
related to environmental degradation. In M.C Mehta vs. Union of
India case in 1986, Supreme Court observed that environmental
cases involve assessment of scientific data. Setting up of
environmental courts on regional basis would require
professional judge and experts, keeping in view the expertise
required for such adjudication. In an another judgement ‘Indian
Council for Enviro-Legal Action vs. Union of India, 1996 the
Supreme Court observed that Environmental Courts having civil
and criminal jurisdiction must be established to deal with the
environmental issues in a speedy manner. Supreme Court of India
in A.P. Pollution Control Board vs. M.V. Nayudu: 1999 referred
to the need for establishing Environmental Courts which would
have the benefit of expert advice f