- (1.) SHRI P.P. Malhotra, learned Additional Solicitor General placed before the Court letter dated 16.7.2013 sent by the Secretariat of Appointment Committee of the Cabinet to the Ministry of Environment and Forests conveying approval of the Appointment Committee of the Cabinet to the appointment of two Judicial Members. The letter also indicate the willingness of the Government of India to operate the reserved panel. The letter is taken on record and the Ministry of Environment and Forests is directed to take action within 7 days in accordance with Para 3 of letter dated 16.7.2013. Shri Malhotra also gave out that infrastructure is ready for making Pune Bench of National Green Tribunal (NGT) operational. He submitted that residential accommodation for Judicial and Expert Members of the Pune Bench has also been made available.
(2.) IN view of the statement made by the learned Additional Solicitor General, we direct that Pune Bench of the National Green Tribunal shall become functional w.e.f. 1.8.2013.
(3.) SHRI Rohtagi, learned senior counsel appearing for the State of West Bengal gave out that serious efforts are being made to make available the accommodation for Kolkata Bench of the Tribunal as also residential accommodation for Judicial and Expert Members. He submitted that two weeks' time may be allowed to the State Government to take necessary steps and the Court may not direct shifting of the Bench from Kolkata to Gauhati or Ranchi. The request made by Shri Rohtagi is accepted and two weeks' time is granted to the Government of West Bengal to provide adequate space for making the Kolkata Bench of the Tribunal functional. In addition, suitable residential accommodation for Judicial and Expert Members must also be made available within this period.;