Supreme Court Orders Refund of Rs 5 Crore Fine to Art of Living Foundation
Supreme Court Orders Refund of Rs 5 Crore Fine to Art of Living Foundation
IN · Published Aug 22, 2026
The Supreme Court of India has directed the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to refund a Rs 5 crore penalty paid by the Art of Living Foundation.
The fine was initially imposed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in 2017, which held the foundation responsible for environmental damage to the Yamuna floodplains during its 2016 'World Culture Festival.' However, the Supreme Court ruled on August 22, 2026, that there was no direct evidence linking the event to the alleged ecological damage.

Impact & Risks

The ruling provides significant relief to the Art of Living Foundation, led by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, as it absolves the organization of financial liability for the alleged environmental damage. However, the decision raises concerns among environmentalists about the precedent it sets for accountability in cases of ecological harm. The DDA has been directed to continue its efforts to rehabilitate the Yamuna floodplains, but questions remain about the long-term impact of the 2016 event on the fragile ecosystem.

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