NGT Imposes Rs.10,000 Cost For Filing Frivolous Application

Observing that the application is “frivolous” to settle score with the respondent, The National Green Tribunal (Southern Bench) has imposed a cost Rs.10,000 for wasting the time of the Tribunal.

The bench of Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana and Dr. Satyagopal Korlapati said, “Therefore, having wasted the time of the Tribunal by filing the vexatious application for which already there was an order passed by the appropriate authority, we are imposing a cost of Rs. 10,000/- payable to Kanniyakumari District Green Committee. District Collector and Forest Department may plant Tamarind Trees in Government lands.”

These observations came in response to the plea filed by C. Paul Raj against her neighbour P. Anitha and other authorities, seeking compensation for removing the earth and causing damage to the live teakwood tree by setting fire in Kanniyakumari District

and for the mental agony caused to him.

The Tribunal said, “First of all these matters are not maintainable before this Tribunal for which he should have approached the appropriate forum.”

It further observed that the dispute between the parties has already been considered and resolved by the Sub-Collector.

Adding that the application is vexatious, the Tribunal said, “As the parties have already approached the appropriate authority and orders have been issued, the applicant has filed the above application unnecessarily claiming compensation and to protect the Tamarind tree.”

Consequently, the plea was dismissed by imposing a cost of Rs. 10,000.

Case Title: C.Paul Raj v. Sub Collector & Ors.