SC orders refund of fine paid by Art of Living for damage to Yamuna floodplains

In a major relief to the Sri Sri Ravi Shankar-led Art of Living foundation, the Supreme Court has ordered a refund of the Rs 5 crore penalty paid by the spiritual organisation over a controversial 2016 event that was accused of causing damage to the ecologically sensitive Yamuna floodplains in Delhi.The court held that there is no direct evidence that the event caused damage to the River Yamuna's fragile ecosystem. It ordered that the fine submitted by the Vyakti Vikas Kendra – a registered public charitable trust under the aegis of the Art of Living – be refunded by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA).The penalty was imposed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which had held the Art of Living responsible for damaging the Yamuna floodplains during the preparations for the World Culture Festival in 2016.While granting relief to the Art of Living, the Supreme Court also observed that the DDA had failed in its duty to protect the Yamuna floodplains. It also directed the urban planning and development body to continue the work towards the rehabilitation of the Yamuna floodplains as directed by the NGT.- EndsPublished By: Devika BhattacharyaPublished On: Aug 22, 2026 10:53 IST