Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has called on the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to make public the report of the High-Powered Committee that reviewed the environmental clearances granted to the Great Nicobar Island Project. Describing the project as “ecologically disastrous,” Ramesh argued that the committee’s findings should be available for public scrutiny, claiming the report is deeply flawed. He said the report was submitted to the NGT in a sealed cover on July 8, 2025, and maintained that greater transparency is essential in matters involving environmental protection and public interest.

The Congress leader made the appeal ahead of the Lok Sabha’s discussion on the Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026, which seeks to establish a National Tribunals Commission following directions issued by the Supreme Court. Ramesh recalled that he had challenged the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2021, and earlier provisions introduced through the Finance Act, 2017, arguing that they weakened the independence of tribunals. He alleged that the Modi government had repeatedly resisted judicial recommendations and environmental concerns but was now compelled to introduce reforms after the Supreme Court struck down key provisions of the 2021 law.

According to the proposed legislation, the National Tribunals Commission will oversee the appointment of chairpersons and members of various tribunals to ensure transparency, efficiency and judicial independence. The commission will be headquartered in New Delhi and headed by a retired Supreme Court judge or a retired Chief Justice of a High Court, along with four judicial and technical members. Ramesh expressed hope that the NGT and other tribunals would regain their independence and perform their legal responsibilities without external influence, urging the tribunal to begin this process by releasing the Great Nicobar Committee’s report for public examination.