The National Green Tribunal issued instructions regarding its functioning from May 4, when the Covid-19 lockdown is said to be relaxed.

The instructions state that the Chairperson, Members, and officers (Deputy Registrars and above) will attend the Office with 100 percent attendance.

As for the remaining staff, up to 33% 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, judicial work will be conducted by the Benches of NGT only by Video Conferencing, without physical presence considering the health and safety of lawyers, public, and staff.

Also, only online filing (e-filing) of cases is 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 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.”

“For VC hearings, NGT shall be using ‘Vidyo’ App whereby users can join Vidyo room from their mobile phones/laptops/desktops having adequate internet facility. Vidyo App can be downloaded from link given in website as well as Google Play Store (for android) and Apple Store (for iOS). If request for personal hearing through VC is permitted by the Bench, the time and link with one-time password for VC hearing shall be shared with the parties by the Office,” the communication said.