JITENDRA SINGH vs MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT

The Supreme Court held that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) erred in dismissing the appellant's grievance regarding the allotment of local ponds to private industrialists without proper adjudication, violating principles of natural justice. The Court emphasized that under Section 22 of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, the NGT must consider the merits of the case before making a decision. The Court directed the NGT to hear the matter afresh, ensuring that environmental concerns are adequately addressed, particularly in light of the Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986 and the Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010.