The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has imposed a penalty of ₹1 lakh on the Union Ministry of Urban Development after it failed to appear in a case concerning environmental compliance in Uttar Pradesh. The green tribunal emphasised that states and their instrumentalities are bound by constitutional and statutory obligations to ensure adherence to environmental norms.

Background of the Case

The matter pertains to a sewage treatment plant being constructed in Jalaun district, Uttar Pradesh. The NGT had earlier issued notices to multiple parties, including:

• The State of Uttar Pradesh,
• The Union Ministry of Urban Development, and
• The Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation.

The hearing took place on January 5, 2026, before a bench comprising NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastavaand expert member A. Senthil Vel. Despite due service of notice, no representative from the Urban Development Ministry appeared for the proceedings.

Tribunal’s Observations

The tribunal highlighted that proceedings before it are not akin to adversarial litigation, where a defendant may choose to remain absent. It underscored that both the Union of India and state governments have mandatory duties under lawto ensure environmental compliance and must be represented by authorised officials or counsels in tribunal hearings.

The NGT stated that the ministry’s absence led to unnecessary adjournments, delaying the resolution of critical environmental issues. The bench remarked:

“Such deliberate non-appearance can be remediated only by an order imposing exemplary costs for unnecessary adjournment thereby caused.”

Fine and Future Compliance

To rectify the lapse, the NGT:

• Levied a ₹1 lakh fine on the Urban Development Ministry,
• Allowed one more opportunity for the ministry to file its response and ensure proper representation in future hearings,
• Directed that the fine amount be utilised for legal aid to applicants not represented by lawyers and for facilities for litigants visiting the tribunal to effectively present their cases.

The tribunal has scheduled the next hearing on April 10, 2026, to review the matter further.

Significance

This action underlines the NGT’s strict approach toward ensuring environmental accountability, particularly for government agencies and ministries. Non-compliance or non-appearance by public authorities can delay environmental adjudication and hamper the effective implementation of pollution control measures and infrastructure projects like sewage treatment plants.

By imposing costs, the NGT also reinforced the principle that government departments must treat environmental litigation with the same seriousness as any legal obligation. The penalty will additionally benefit unrepresented litigants, ensuring that justice in environmental matters is accessible to all stakeholders.

In conclusion, the ₹1 lakh fine serves as a cautionary measure for ministries and state bodies, reiterating that environmental compliance is a constitutional and statutory mandate, and procedural lapses will not be tolerated.