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23 August 2026

Supreme Court order on Art of Living Yamuna event

The Supreme Court judgment provides significant legal precedents regarding the 'precautionary principle' and 'doctrine of public trust' in the context of environmental conservation and the accountability of regulatory bodies like the DDA.

1 min read 2 questions 1 prelims

Notes

  • Supreme Court set aside a 2017 National Green Tribunal (NGT) order that held the Art of Living Foundation responsible for damage to Yamuna floodplains during a 2016 event.
  • The Court directed the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to refund the ₹5 crore deposit made by the foundation.
  • The Supreme Court criticized the DDA for granting permission for the event on an active floodplain, citing violations of the 'precautionary principle' and the 'doctrine of public trust'.
  • The Court clarified that the DDA remains responsible for the ongoing rehabilitation and management of the Yamuna floodplains as per NGT directions.
  • The judgment noted that the NGT failed to consider that the site was already in a damaged condition prior to the event and ignored evidence regarding pre-existing debris.

Questions

  1. Discuss the significance of the 'precautionary principle' and the 'doctrine of public trust' in the context of environmental governance and the protection of ecologically sensitive zones in India. 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00
  2. The role of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) is pivotal in balancing developmental activities with environmental conservation. Critically analyze the challenges faced by specialized environmental courts in determining liability for ecological damage and the importance of scientific evidence in their adjudication process. 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. Which of the following principles was cited by the Supreme Court while criticizing the DDA for granting permission for an event on an active floodplain?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-08-23/supreme-court-order-on-art-of-living-yamuna-event