Covid-19: NGT issues instructions on its functioning from May 4

The National Green Tribunal Tuesday issued instructions regarding its functioning from May 4, when the Covid-19 lockdown is slated to be relaxed, stating that the Chairperson, Members and officers (Deputy Registrars and above) will attend the Office with 100 per cent attendance.

As for the remaining staff, up to 33 per cent of the strength will physically attend the office as separately notified from time to time, the NGT said.

According to the office order issued by the NGT, the section heads/incharge of all sections shall prepare rosters of staff required to attend office physically by rotation and the staff members not required to present physically at the office.

However, they shall always remain available on phone and electronic means of communication, and shall attend office physically as and when required, it said.

"Considering the health and safety of lawyers / public / litigants / staff, till the situation of Corona improves, judicial work will be conducted by the Benches of NGT only by Video Conferencing, without physical presence/appearance of parties or their counsel in the NGT complex," the circular said.

It said that only online filing (e-filing) of cases will be allowed and no physical filing is permitted.

It further said: "The parties/lawyers may request for listing or adjournment of their cases or make urgent mentioning, by sending an email in advance to "mailto:judicialngt@nic.in"judicialngt@nic.in. All communication with NGT qua listing of cases, filing of documents/reports, filing of written submissions / synopsis / audio of oral submissions (if any) etc. shall be done only through this email ID."