#environmental guidelines

The National Green Tribunal has ruled that for Ready-Mix Concrete plants, the mandatory distance from highways must be calculated from the actual emission source, not the property boundary. This sets a critical precedent for environmental compliance, forcing regulators to assess pollution impact at its origin and impacting future RMC plant approvals across India.

The Supreme Court ruled that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) cannot outsource its judicial function to expert committees or issue orders without proper notice, reinforcing the principles of natural justice. The judgment underscores that environmental adjudication must remain with the NGT, ensuring accountability and procedural fairness in disputes involving CPCB guidelines and public utilities.

The Supreme Court ruled that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) cannot outsource its judicial functions to expert committees, as it violates principles of natural justice. The judgment quashed NGT’s reliance on committee reports to block a petrol pump project, emphasizing that statutory compliance and procedural fairness must prevail over speculative environmental concerns. This sets a precedent for environmental adjudication, ensuring courts retain their decision-making authority.