Supreme Court Orders Refund of ₹5 Crore Fine Paid by Art of Living for Yamuna Floodplains
Public Lokpal
August 22, 2026
Supreme Court Orders Refund of ₹5 Crore Fine Paid by Art of Living for Yamuna Floodplains
The Supreme Court has set aside a 2017 National Green Tribunal order holding the Art of Living Foundation responsible for environmental damage during its 2016 World Culture Festival.
A bench comprising Justices Satish Chandra Sharma and N.K. Singh ruled that there was no direct evidence proving the festival caused actual ecological destruction to the Yamuna floodplains.
Consequently, the apex court ordered the Delhi Development Authority to fully refund the five crore rupees environmental compensation deposited by the foundation.
While granting relief, the Court noted that the DDA failed in its statutory duty to safeguard the area and directed the authority to independently handle ongoing floodplain rehabilitation.
The ruling concludes a decade-long legal battle regarding accountability for the massive cultural event, shifting the focus of responsibility back to urban planning authorities.