Supreme Court Orders ₹5 Crore Refund to Art of Living
By Business Desk
Supreme Court overturns NGT order, directs DDA to refund ₹5 crore to Art of Living Foundation for Yamuna floodplain case.
The Supreme Court has overturned a 2017 order by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) concerning the Art of Living Foundation. This significant ruling directs the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to reimburse the foundation for previously paid environmental compensation.
The NGT’s original 2017 directive had held Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s Art of Living Foundation responsible for environmental damage. This damage was specifically identified on the Yamuna floodplains, stemming from its 2016 World Culture Festival. The Supreme Court’s bench, comprising Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice N.K. Singh, delivered this latest judgment.
This judicial reversal followed an appeal initiated by Vyakti Vikas Kendra India, an organization directly associated with the Art of Living Foundation. The appeal sought to challenge and overturn the NGT’s earlier verdict against the foundation.
Key Directives from the Supreme Court
The Delhi Development Authority is now mandated to refund the ₹5 crore environmental compensation to the Art of Living Foundation, which had initially deposited the amount.
Crucially, the Supreme Court also reiterated that the DDA must continue with the rehabilitation efforts for the Yamuna floodplains. This continuation aligns precisely with the original instructions previously issued by the National Green Tribunal.
The decision underscores the legal framework for environmental accountability and appeals within India’s judicial system. While reversing the compensation aspect for the foundation, the court maintained the broader commitment to ecological restoration of the Yamuna floodplains.