Role of National Green Tribunal in Protection of Minorities in India: An Environmental Issue

Romi Saini

doi:10.70130/

Authors

Romi Saini Maharishi markandeshwar deemed to be University mullana Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70130/

Abstract

A specialized court in India, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) was created by the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 with the goal of resolving environmental issues as quickly as possible. The NGT seeks to balance the needs of development and environmental protection by offering efficient legal remedies for environmental problems. Although addressing ecological issues is the tribunal's main responsibility, it also plays a vital role in defending the rights of vulnerable and marginalized groups, such as minorities, who are frequently disproportionately impacted by climate change and environmental degradation. By addressing ecological concerns that disproportionately affect marginalized groups, the NGT upholds the principles of environmental justice thereby contributing to the broader framework of human rights and social equity in India. The study critically assesses landmark NGT judgments and their impact on environmental protection and conservation of forests and natural resources. While it’s primary focus is on environmental issues, its role indirectly contributes to the protection of minorities communities in India, who are often disproportionately affected by environmental degradation.

References

1. Lennox, C. (2019). Transnational social mobilisation and minority rights: identity, advocacy and norms. Routledge, 1st edn., London.

2. Abhiyan, W. N. T., & Force, S. E. T. Socially Exclusion and Inequality: Opportunities in Agenda 2030.

3. Udas, P. B., Prakash, A., & Goodrich, C. G. (2021). 3 Gendered vulnerabilities in Diaras. Engendering Climate Change, 38, 1st edn., Routledge, New York.

4. Yadav, M., Chandel, A., Agrawal, H., & Quttainah, M. (2025). Climate change and global inequality: How does climate change exacerbate existing global inequalities and its implications. In Effects of Climate Change on Social and Economic Factors (pp. 21-48). IGI Global.

5. Ganguly, S.& Hasan, M. (2009).,India’s Secular Identity: Dimensions and Challenges. Cambridge University Press.

6. Ghai, Y. & Cottrell, J. (2010). Minority Rights in the Constitution of India: Global and Historical Perspectives. Routledge.

7. Shaban, A. (2018). Lives of Muslims in India.2nd edn.,London: Routledge.

8. Baker, J. L. (Ed.). (2012). Climate change, disaster risk, and the urban poor: cities building resilience for a changing world. World Bank Publications.

9. Section 2(c) of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) Act 1992.

10. T.M.A. Pai Foundation and others v. State of Karnataka and others, AIR 2002,8 SCC, 481.

11. Basu, D. D.,Commentary on the Constitution of India, (2021), Lexis Nexis Butterworths, pp., 1823- 1828.

12. Shukla, V.N. Constitution of India,(2020) Eastern Book Company, 14th edn., pp.160-165.

13. Singh. R.B.,( 2018) Climate Change and Environmental Issues: Challenges and Solutions. Springer, , pp. 115-130.

14. Guha, Ramachandra,( 2000), Environmentalism: A Global History, Oxford University Press, pp.-145-160.

15. Singh, Katar. (2016), Rural Development: Principles, Policies, and Management, Sage Publications, 5th edn., pp. 210-225.

16. Kumar, Pushpendra, (2019) Livelihood Strategies and Poverty Reduction in India, Routledge, p. 135-150.

17. Gitanjali Nain Gill, (2017) Environmental Justice in India, The National Green Tribunal, 1st edition, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon; New York, NY: Routledge.

18. Thomas, A.M., (2010) NGOs in India: Role, Guidelines, and impact, Concept Publishing, pp. 85-110.

19. Anil Kumar Thakur and Dalip Kumar, (2013) Dimension Of Climate Change in India-A Development Perspective, Regal publication, New Delhi,1st edn,.

20. Jain, Ashok Kumar, (2017) Green Tribunal in India: Challenges and Prospects, lexis Nexis, pp. 90-110.