The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notice to Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar after a contempt plea was moved against him. The plea opposed his remarks blaming the Centre and the panel for damaging the Yamuna floodplains by allowing Art of Living’s World Culture Festival to be held there in March last year.
NGO denies order
“Notice to the respondent,” said a Bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar while seeking a reply before May 9, the next date of hearing.
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Art of Living spokesperson and legal adviser Kedar Desai said, “No such order has been passed. The matter has simply been adjourned to May 9.”
The Art of Living, which has maintained that it is environment-sensitive, said, “We have never caused any damage to the environment. In fact, we have worked for preserving and reviving it over the years.”
Mr. Desai’s stand was contradicted by the petitioner’s counsel Rahul Choudhary.
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Meanwhile, the Bench pulled up petitioner Manoj Misra, asking him “How did this come in the press before coming to us.”