The National Green Tribunal Principal Bench vide order dated 28.04.2020 stated that the Tribunal would continue the judicial work by conducting video conferencing till the COVID-19 situation is improved. The order states that in light of the order of Government of India dated 15.04.2020 the Hon’ble chairperson and members of the NGT and the officers of the tribunal will attend the office with 100% attendance with 33% staff strength post 04.05.2020. The section heads/in-charge are directed to prepare rosters of staff that are required to attend office physically by rotation. The staff members are not required to present at the office, but they must remain available on phones and electronic means of communication. They have to attend office physically when it is required.
Further, keeping in mind the health and safety of all stakeholders are directed that all the judicial work is to be continued via video conferencing and avoid their physical presence in the NGT complex. The order emphasizes that only online filing i.e. e-filling is allowed, and physical filling is not permitted. The parties/lawyers submit their request for listing or adjournment of their case or make urgent mentioning by writing an email in advance to judicial-ngt@nic.in. All the sorts of communication with NGT viz. filling of documents/reports, synopsis, written submissions etc. is to be done through the abovementioned email ID.
Further, the lawyers/litigants who are keen to participate personally in Video Conferencing are supposed to send a request at abovementioned email ID with their names, case title, case number, date of hearing and other details. If the request is permitted by the bench, the time and link with one-time password for video conferencing would be shared with the parties by the office. For video conferencing hearings, NGT will be using ‘Vidyo’ App wherein the users can join the Vidyo room from their mobile, laptops, desktops. The link to download the App is provided on the website ecourtvc.nic.in.
Further, entry to NGT complex is allowed to staff only. All the safety and precautionary measures as prescribed by the Government will be followed strictly. The staffs are directed to follow the social distancing protocols and crowding at any place/branch in NGT complex is prohibited. The copy of the order is to be sent to all NGT zonal benches requesting them to comply the same and bring to the notice of all concerned. Further, it is directed to all section of NGT principal bench that all officers in charge of the respective branches/section must ensure that the order is followed properly and the abovementioned instructions are brought to notice of all staff members in their branch.
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