Nearly a decade after the enactment of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, the National Green Tribunal has significantly improved environmental adjudication in India by incorporating scientific expertise and ensuring faster and more effective disposal of cases. Despite these achievements, the Tribunal continues to face serious challenges that may affect its relevance in the coming years. This paper examines ten key challenges, including governmental apathy, inadequate infrastructure, delays in appointments, dilution of the Tribunal’s independence through the Finance Act, 2017, and the perception of the NGT as a barrier to development. It also analyzes judicial responses from High Courts, particularly frequent appeals and restrictions on the Tribunal’s suo motu powers. Additionally, internal issues such as inconsistent assessment of environmental compensation, reluctance to penalize government authorities, limited access to justice, and poor implementation of NGT orders are critically discussed.
