SC stays NGT order of prohibiting use of parks for functions

Supreme Court has put stay on National Green Tribunal (NGT) order of prohibiting use of parks for social, commercial, marriage or any other functions.

Key Facts

• Supreme court bench comprising of Justices Indira Banerjee and V Ramasubramanian noted that, use of parks will not be permitted for more than 10 days in a month under any circumstances.
• This order was passed on petitions filed by municipal bodies against the order of NGT.
• Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for North Delhi Municipal Corporation and South Delhi Municipal Corporation highlighted that, judgment was passed without notice to appellants.

Background

NGT had directed the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) in February 4, 2021 order to ensure that no park is used to hold any social, cultural, commercial and marriage or other functions in Delhi.  NGT had referred to order of Delhi High Court that prohibited the use of parks and maintained that Delhi Development Authority and civic bodies will be held accountable in case of violation of the order.

National Green Tribunal (NGT)

NGT was established for effective and expeditious disposal of cases related to environmental protection and conservation of forests under the National Green Tribunal Act 2010. It also looks after other natural resources such as enforcement of any legal right related to environment. This specialized body has been equipped with necessary expertise to handle environmental disputes. It is not bound by procedure under Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 however, it is guided by principles of natural justice. New Delhi is the headquarter of Tribunal. Tribunal also sits at Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata and Chennai.

Month: Current Affairs - August, 2021