TNR News Network
Dharamshala: The Supreme Court’s decision to set aside the 2017 order of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which had held the Art of Living Foundation responsible for alleged damage to the Yamuna floodplain during the 2016 World Culture Festival, has sparked joy among Art of Living practitioners and volunteers across Himachal Pradesh.
Welcoming the verdict, Tripta Sharma and G. L. Verma, State Media In-charge of the Art of Living, Himachal Pradesh, described it as a “victory of truth, justice and fairness.” They said the ruling has created an atmosphere of happiness among practitioners statewide, who regard the judgment as highly significant and wholeheartedly welcome it.
A Bench comprising Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice N. K. Singh set aside the NGT’s 2017 order and directed the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to refund the ₹5 crore environmental compensation deposited by the Art of Living Foundation. The judgment was delivered on an appeal filed by Vyakti Vikas Kendra India, an organisation associated with the Foundation.
Tripta Sharma and G. L. Verma highlighted that the Art of Living has long been working to promote peace, human values, environmental protection, a stress-free lifestyle, and the spirit of service under the guidance of its founder, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Millions of people in India and worldwide are connected with the organisation through service and spiritual practices.
They said the verdict is a matter of satisfaction and renewed confidence for all practitioners who had faith in the judicial process throughout the proceedings. The judgment also conveys the important message that final conclusions concerning any organisation or individual should be reached only through due judicial process and established facts.
The Supreme Court has further directed the DDA to continue restoration work in the Yamuna floodplain in accordance with NGT directions, paving the way for environmental protection efforts.
Art of Living practitioners and volunteers across Himachal Pradesh expressed delight at the decision, saying it will strengthen their faith and confidence in the organisation. Expressing gratitude to the Hon’ble Supreme Court, they emphasized that respect for the judicial system is one of the greatest strengths of democracy.
They reiterated that the fundamental objective of the Art of Living is to bring about positive transformation within individuals and thereby strengthen peace, harmony, service, and human values in society. The organisation pledged to continue its service initiatives for the welfare of society and the environment with the same spirit and commitment in the future.
G. L. Verma State Deputy Media In-charge Art of Living, Himachal Pradesh 📞 9418111700
