Yamuna floodplains: SC overturns order against Art of Living, orders refund of ₹5 crore fine
The Supreme Court of India has overturned a 2017 National Green Tribunal order that held the Art of Living Foundation responsible for environmental damage to the Yamuna floodplains. The court ordered the Delhi Development Authority to refund the ₹5 crore fine paid by the foundation.
Why it matters
This ruling concludes a long-standing legal dispute regarding environmental accountability for large-scale public events on ecologically sensitive land.
The Supreme Court on Saturday (August 22, 2026) set aside a 2017 order of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) holding Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's Art of Living Foundation responsible for the damage caused to the Yamuna floodplains due to its World Culture Festival in 2016.
A Bench of Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice N.K. Singh directed the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to refund the ₹5 crore environmental compensation deposited by the foundation.
The Supreme Court's order came on an appeal filed by Vyakti Vikas Kendra India, associated with the Art of Living Foundation.
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