Section 14 explained: this guide covers what it means, who it applies to, the step-by-step process, documents required, fees, due dates and penalties in India — so you can stay compliant with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.
Section 14 is the original jurisdiction of the National Green Tribunal. It covers all civil cases where a substantial question relating to environment, including the enforcement of a legal right relating to environment, is involved and arises out of the implementation of the enactments in Schedule I. An application must be made within six months of the cause of action first arising, with a further period of up to sixty days for sufficient cause.
This article is current as amended up to the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2021. Section 14 was not changed by that Act. Later amendments and notifications should be checked. If you are considering an application or defending one, our legal dispute resolution team can help.
The Tribunal has jurisdiction over all civil cases where a substantial question relating to environment is involved and the question arises out of the implementation of the Schedule I Acts. It hears the disputes and passes orders. No application is entertained unless made within six months from the date the cause of action first arose. The Tribunal may allow a further period not exceeding sixty days if the applicant was prevented by sufficient cause.
Section 14(1): what the Tribunal can hear
"The Tribunal shall have the jurisdiction over all civil cases where a substantial question relating to environment (including enforcement of any legal right relating to environment), is involved and such question arises out of the implementation of the enactments specified in Schedule I."
Three conditions must be met.
| Condition | Meaning |
|---|---|
| A civil case | The jurisdiction is over "all civil cases" |
| A substantial question relating to environment | As defined in section 2(1)(m), and expressly including enforcement of a legal right relating to environment; see sections 1 and 2 |
| It arises out of the implementation of a Schedule I Act | The question must come from the working of one of the enactments listed in Schedule I |
Schedule I lists seven Acts: the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974; the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act, 1977; the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980; the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981; the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986; the Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991; and the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. The Water Cess Act, 1977 was repealed by the Taxation Laws (Amendment) Act, 2017. The Central Government can add or omit Acts by notification under section 34; see section 34 and the Schedules.
The limits matter. A dispute that does not arise out of a Schedule I Act, or does not raise a substantial question relating to environment, is outside section 14(1).
Section 14(2): hearing and orders
"The Tribunal shall hear the disputes arising from the questions referred to in sub-section (1) and settle such disputes and pass order thereon." The relief the Tribunal can give, including compensation and restitution, is in sections 15 to 17, and its powers in sections 19 to 21.
Section 14(3): the limitation period
"No application for adjudication of dispute under this section shall be entertained by the Tribunal unless it is made within a period of six months from the date on which the cause of action for such dispute first arose."
The proviso. The Tribunal "may, if it is satisfied that the applicant was prevented by sufficient cause from filing the application within the said period, allow it to be filed within a further period not exceeding sixty days".
Three points. The period runs from the date the cause of action "first arose". The bar is on the Tribunal entertaining the application. And the condonation power is capped: at most sixty days beyond the six months, and only for sufficient cause.
Section 14 compared with sections 15 and 16
| Provision | Jurisdiction | Period as printed |
|---|---|---|
| Section 14 | Civil cases on a substantial question relating to environment under Schedule I Acts | Six months from the first cause of action; further sixty days at most |
| Section 15 | Relief, compensation and restitution | Five years from the date the cause first arose; further sixty days at most |
| Section 16 | Appeals against listed orders | Thirty days from communication; further sixty days at most |
How a claim is brought, who may bring it and the form is in section 18. For a general guide see our article on NGT jurisdiction, powers and procedure.
Practical points
- Map the question to a Schedule I Act before filing; the Tribunal's jurisdiction depends on it.
- Frame the substantial question by reference to the definition in section 2(1)(m).
- Diarise six months from the date the cause of action first arose, and treat the sixty-day extension as an exception, not a plan.
- Record sufficient cause from the outset if you may need the proviso.
An example
A local residents' group learns that a plant has been discharging effluent in breach of a consent condition under the Water Act, affecting a large community. It files an application under section 14 within six months of the date the cause of action first arose. If it is a few weeks late, it explains in the application why it was prevented by sufficient cause, and the Tribunal may allow filing within a further period not exceeding sixty days.
Need help with an application to the Tribunal?
The first questions in any application are which Schedule I Act applies and whether the date is within time. Our legal dispute resolution team can help you frame the substantial question, check limitation and prepare the application.
Key takeaways
- The Tribunal has jurisdiction over civil cases involving a substantial question relating to environment arising from the implementation of a Schedule I Act.
- The jurisdiction includes enforcement of a legal right relating to environment.
- An application must be made within six months of the cause of action first arising.
- The Tribunal may allow a further period of up to sixty days for sufficient cause.
- Schedule I can be amended by notification under section 34.
Read next
- Sections 15 to 17: relief, compensation, appellate jurisdiction and no fault
- Section 18: who may apply or appeal
- Schedules I to III: scheduled Acts, heads of compensation
- NGT jurisdiction, powers and procedure
Disclaimer: Based on the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and the Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991 as amended by the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023 (in force for these Acts from 1 April 2024), the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 as amended by its Amendment Act of 2024 (which applies only in the States and Union territories it names and in States that adopt it), and the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 as amended by the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2021, as consulted on 3 October 2026. Later amendments, rules and notifications should be checked. This article is general information, not legal advice; check the official text before acting.