Supreme Court Clarifies NGT Jurisdiction on Compensation Recalculation
In News
What Happened
Why It Matters
Background
History & Context
What Changed
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Compensation Recalculation: BEFORE, the NGT assumed the power to directly recalculate and impose revised environmental compensation if it found the SPCB's math flawed. NOW, the NGT is strictly required to remand the matter back to the respective SPCB for any redetermination of fines.
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PMLA Jurisdiction: BEFORE, the NGT attempted to expand its punitive scope by directing action under the PMLA for environmental offenses. NOW, the Supreme Court has clarified the NGT lacks the jurisdiction to direct PMLA prosecutions, especially without an existing FIR or formal complaint for a scheduled offense.
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Role of SPCBs: BEFORE, SPCB decisions could be entirely substituted by the NGT's own technical assessments during an appeal. NOW, the statutory autonomy of SPCBs as the primary assessing authority is protected and restored by the Supreme Court.
Prelims Angle
NCERT Connection
Practice Questions
Q1
With Reference ToWith reference to the Supreme Court's January 2025 ruling on the National Green Tribunal's (NGT) jurisdiction, consider the following statements: 1. The Supreme Court held that the NGT possesses the authority to directly recalculate environmental compensation if the State Pollution Control Board's assessment is flawed. 2. The Court ruled that the NGT does not have the jurisdiction to direct the initiation of prosecution under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Which of the statements given above is/are correct?