Supreme Court Bans National Green Tribunal from Delegating Decision-Making to Expert Committees

The Supreme Court has ruled that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) cannot outsource its core adjudicatory functions to expert committees, emphasising that such panels can only assist in technical fact-finding, not decide cases.

The court held that delegating judicial duties violates the principle of natural justice and the NGT’s statutory mandate under the Environmental Protection Act.

The court ensured that the tribunal remained directly accountable for its rulings and remained strictly adherent to statutory procedures and principles.

Accordingly, the appeal was allowed.

[M/S. Triveni Engineering and Industries Ltd. v State of Uttar Pradesh & Ors]