Today, On 28th February, The Supreme Court upheld the Madras High Court’s decision to quash the show cause notice issued to Isha Foundation. The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) had challenged the ruling, which recognized Isha Foundation as an educational institute eligible for certain environmental norm relaxations. The High Court had earlier ruled in favor of the foundation, granting it exemptions under specific regulations.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court upheld a 2022 decision by the Madras High Court that quashed a show cause notice issued to the Isha Foundation, run by Sadhguru, concerning construction activities at its Coimbatore campus.
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N.K. Singh ruled that no coercive action would be taken against the Isha Foundation’s yoga and meditation center.
The Court also noted the Isha Foundation’s commitment to comply with all applicable laws.
The Supreme Court directed,
“If there is any need for expansion in the future, let permission be sought from the competent authority,”
This ruling came after the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) challenged the Madras High Court’s decision to annul the show cause notice, which had been issued in 2021 for construction work carried out by the Isha Foundation from 2006 to 2014 without the necessary environmental clearances.
In December 2022, the Madras High Court determined that, as the Isha Foundation conducts group development activities and operates a yoga center, it qualifies as an educational institution.
Consequently, it is exempt from the requirement to obtain prior environmental clearance for construction activities as granted by the Central government.
On February 14, the Supreme Court expressed concern over the delay in filing the appeal against the High Court’s ruling.
Justice Kant remarked,
“If we start accepting better affidavits and allow a delay of over 633 days, why should poorer litigants be deprived? Why should affluent litigants be prioritized, leaving common litigants with nowhere to turn? When the State takes so long, we become lenient.”
Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi represented the Isha Foundation in the proceedings.
Isha Foundation is a non-profit organization founded by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, dedicated to spirituality, yoga, and social initiatives. Based in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, it operates the Isha Yoga Center, which offers meditation programs, wellness retreats, and environmental projects like Rally for Rivers and Cauvery Calling.
The foundation also runs educational and rural development initiatives, aiming to promote holistic well-being and sustainable living.
Case Title: Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board v. Isha Foundation