SC orders refund of ₹5cr fine on Art of Living
What's the story
The Supreme Court has ordered the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to refund the ₹5 crore fine imposed on the Art of Living Foundation, setting aside a 2017 order of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which had held the foundation responsible for damage to the Yamuna floodplains. The order was passed on an appeal filed by Vyakti Vikas Kendra India, the organization associated with the Art of Living Foundation, founded by spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
Tribunal decision
NGT held Art of Living responsible for damage
The NGT had initially held the Art of Living responsible for damage to the Yamuna floodplains in December 2017, during preparations for their "World Culture Festival."
However, the SC found no direct evidence linking the festival to harm done to River Yamuna's ecosystem.
Initially, the NGT had permitted the Art of Living to hold their event after they agreed to pay a fine.
But on the opening day of their festival, organizers sought more time for depositing ₹5 crore penalty.
Legal dispute
Environmental panel had permitted event
They were allowed to deposit ₹25 lakh on that day with a three-week window for the remaining payment.
Later, they requested that ₹4.75 crore be treated as a bank guarantee for establishing a biodiversity park instead of direct payment.
While the penalty was eventually paid in full, the Art of Living later challenged the NGT's verdict in the SC.