SC Quashes NGT Order Against Art of Living, Directs DDA to Refund ₹5 Crore

The Supreme Court on Saturday set aside a 2017 order of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that had held Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's Art of Living Foundation responsible for damage caused to the Yamuna floodplains during the 2016 World Culture Festival.

A Supreme Court Bench comprising Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice N.K. Singh directed the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to refund the ₹5 crore environmental compensation amount deposited by the foundation.

The ruling was delivered on an appeal moved by Vyakti Vikas Kendra India, an entity associated with the Art of Living Foundation, challenging the tribunal's earlier verdict.

While setting aside the liability placed on the foundation, the Supreme Court directed the Delhi Development Authority to continue carrying out the rehabilitation work across the Yamuna floodplains in accordance with the directions previously issued by the NGT.