AOL refutes charges against Sri Sri following NGT notice

The Art of Living on Tuesday issued a clarification over a National Green Tribunal (NGT) notice to its founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar for his alleged remarks against the green panel, saying the allegations against the spiritual leader were 'completely false' and based merely on 'newspaper reports'.

The NGT earlier today issued a notice to Sri Sri Ravi Shankar for his alleged remarks that the fine imposed by the green panel for organizing an event on banks f river Yamuna was politically motivated.

"At the NGT proceedings today, it was specifically pointed out by The Art of Living lawyers that applications filed by Mr Anand Arya and Mr. Mishra were based merely on news paper reports and that the tribunal ought not to entertain the same." the Art of Living statement said.

"It was also clarified by The Art of Living that the allegations about Sri Sri Ravi Shankar at the NGT was misconceived since the video of the speech was available with Art Of Living and demonstrate that the allegation was completely false," it added.

The Art of Living further said that it would respond to NGT's notice and warned the complainant of strict action if allegations are found without credible basis.

"Court in fact warned Mr. Manoj Mishra that if he is not able to prove his allegation, he will be penalized," the statement added.

NGT in its notice to Sri Sri Ravishankar asked why should not contempt of court proceedings be initiated against him and has directed him to file a reply to it latest by May 25.

On March 9, the NGT had refused to prohibit the 'World Culture Festival' organised by AOL on the bank of Yamuna but slapped a fine of Rs. 5 crore on the foundation for damaging biodiversity of the ecologically sensitive Yamuna floodplains.