Central Empowered Committee (CEC)
Context:
The Supreme Court recently directed the Union of India not to disband the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) without its prior approval.
This direction came after the Cabinet Secretariat suggested referring the CEC's future to the Law Commission, citing potential overlap with the National Green Tribunal (NGT)
About Central Empowered Committee:
The CEC was constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, as per the Supreme Court's order dated September 9, 2002 in the case T. N. Godavarman Thirumalpad vs. Union of India and others.
It has been entrusted with several key responsibilities to monitor and ensure compliance with the Supreme Court’s orders concerning forest and wildlife conservation issues
Its jurisdiction extends to the whole of India.
Composition:
The CEC comprises a Chairperson, a Member Secretary, and three expert members
Powers and Functions:
It monitors the implementation of the Supreme Court's orders related to environment and forests and reports non-compliance
Advisory Role: It may issue guidelines and take measures on various issues, including those related to deforestation, illegal mining, illegal logging, and sustainable forest management
It deals with applications made by any aggrieved person regarding environmental issues.