What happened (Supreme Court’s decision)
The Supreme Court overturned a December 2017 National Green Tribunal (NGT) ruling that had held Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s Art of Living Foundation responsible for damage to Yamuna floodplains linked to the foundation’s World Culture Festival held in 2016. The Supreme Court ordered the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to refund ₹5 crore deposited by the foundation within four weeks.
On appeal by Vyakti Vikas Kendra India (a body described as linked with the Art of Living Foundation), the Supreme Court criticised the DDA’s permission for holding an event on an active floodplain. The Court said the permission was not in line with precautionary principles and the doctrine of public trust (the idea that certain resources like natural areas are held in trust for public use and safety).
The Supreme Court also stated that DDA’s rehabilitation responsibilities for Yamuna floodplains remain unchanged. The Court clarified that its decision was not meant to alter DDA’s restoration duties.
Background and earlier position (NGT order in December 2017)
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