NGT fines Urban Development Ministry Rs 1 lakh

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has imposed a penalty of Rs 1 lakh on the Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD) for failing to appear before the Tribunal, despite being served a notice in a case.

The tribunal said proceedings before the NGT were not adversarial and government authorities could not choose to remain absent. It noted that the Union of India and its agencies had constitutional and statutory duties to comply with environmental laws and must be represented during hearings.

According to the order, the absence of the Ministry led to an adjournment of the matter and delayed the hearing. The Bench said the non-appearance caused “unnecessary delay” in the proceedings.

The Tribunal granted the ministry a final opportunity to file its reply, subject to the payment of the cost. It directed that the Rs 1 lakh be deposited with the NGT Bar Association, Principal Bench. The Tribunal said the amount would be used to provide legal aid to litigants who appear without representation and to improve facilities for visitors. It also stated that if the ministry fails to deposit the amount, the Bar Association would be entitled to initiate execution proceedings to recover the cost.