Karnataka High Court sets aside ₹2.9 crore fine imposed by NGT on Indian Army

The Karnataka High Court set aside a ₹29 crore fine imposed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on the Indian Army for violations. The court ruled that the fine was arbitrary and lacked a proper factual basis. It stressed that penalties should be proportionate and supported by clear evidence of environmental harm. This decision not only provides relief to the Army but also underscores the need for regulatory bodies to adopt fair and legally sound approaches when enforcing environmental compliance. The ruling reinforces the principle that public authorities, including the Army, are not exempt from accountability but must be judged based on objective criteria. It also highlights the judiciary’s role in ensuring fairness in administrative decisions involving significant financial penalties.