The Supreme Court on Friday upheld a 2022 Madras High Court ruling that quashed a show cause notice issued against the Isha Foundation over alleged unauthorized constructions at its Coimbatore campus.
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh ruled that no coercive action shall be taken against the foundation’s yoga and meditation center. The court also recorded Isha Foundation’s assurance that it would comply with all legal requirements, stating, “If there is any need for expansion in the future, let permission be sought from the competent authority.”
The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) had challenged the Madras High Court’s decision, arguing that Isha Foundation had carried out construction work between 2006 and 2014 without necessary environmental clearances. However, the High Court had ruled in December 2022 that the foundation, as an educational institution conducting group development activities and yoga programs, was entitled to an exemption granted by the central government from seeking prior environmental clearance for construction.
During the hearing, the Supreme Court questioned the delay in TNPCB’s appeal, noting the 633-day gap in filing. “If we start accepting such delays, why should poor litigants be deprived of the same consideration? Why should only affluent litigants be heard?” Justice Kant remarked.
Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi appeared for the Isha Foundation.
(With inputs from Bar And Bench)
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