Yamuna Pollution: SC stays NGT order appointing Delhi LG as panel chairman

The Supreme Court on Tuesday stayed an order of the National Green Tribunal, appointing the lieutenant governor of Delhi as the chairman of a high-level committee to deal with pollution in Yamuna River.

The direction was passed by a bench headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud on a plea filed by the Delhi government challenging the appointment issued by NGT on January 9.

The court also stayed the order to the extent that Delhi LG was appointed as a part of the committee.


The Delhi government, in its plea, contended that the decision of the NGT was in violation of the constitutional scheme of governance in Delhi as well as 2018 and 2023 orders of a constitution bench of the court.

The plea raised strong objections to the executive powers bestowed upon the LG through the NGT order. The Delhi government contended that these powers encroach upon areas exclusively under its competence.