Role of National Green Tribunal's in Environmental Justice: Aligning with India's Constitutional Mandates

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) plays a vital role in promoting environmental justice in India, aligning with the countries constitutional Mandate. Government of India has formed National Green Tribunal (NGT) during the year 2010. NGT is a “quasi-judicial” body exclusively deals with the environment related civil litigations. Before NGT has evolved, there were two previous efforts to establish green courts in India. These were National Environment Tribunal Act, of 1995 (NETA) and National Environment Appellate Authority Act, of 1997 (NEAA). However, the most effective environment court in the form of NGT has come into reality in 2010. After its establishment, NGT has settled many environmental issues and has got overwhelm response from different corners. This paper examines the National Green Tribunal's (NGT) role in environmental protection under the Indian Constitution. It will fill a critical gap by assessing how the NGT’s functions and decisions align with constitutional principles for environmental preservation. This study conducted an empirical analysis of NGT judgments and constitutional provisions particularly article 21 and 48-A. since its inception in October 2010 onwards. By evaluating the Tribunal’s effectiveness in upholding environmental rights, this research paper will highlight its impact on environmental governance and spread awareness about its role. Academically, it will enhance understanding of environmental law and constitutional integration, while socially it will raise public awareness of environmental rights. Politically, it will provide insights for refining environmental policies and strengthening legal frameworks, ultimately guiding future legal 13 reforms and improving the alignment of constitutional principles with environmental justice.