The Madras High Court has directed the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) to submit a detailed report on alleged violations of pollution norms by the Isha Foundation during last year’s Maha Shivaratri celebrations. The court’s decision comes in response to a petition seeking strict action against the foundation for repeated environmental violations, including improper sewage management and excessive noise pollution.
Background of the Case
A resident of Coimbatore, ST Sivagnanan, filed a petition highlighting that the Isha Foundation, located in an ecologically sensitive zone near Velliangiri Hills, flouted pollution norms during its 2023 Maha Shivaratri event. The petitioner argued that despite previous court orders, the foundation failed to address sewage discharge and noise pollution, harming local wildlife, groundwater, and residents.
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The court bench, comprising Justice SM Subramaniam and Justice K Rajasekar, instructed the TNPCB to submit its findings by Monday (February 19, 2024), ahead of this year’s Maha Shivaratri celebrations scheduled for February 26–27.
Sivagnanan claimed the foundation’s sewage treatment plant (STP) is inadequate to handle waste generated by lakhs of attendees during the festival. A video on Isha’s YouTube channel reportedly showed improper disposal practices, raising concerns about groundwater contamination.
“Isha’s STP cannot manage the scale of waste produced during mass gatherings. Their actions threaten the region’s delicate ecosystem.”
The petitioner accused the foundation of violating Noise Pollution Rules by using loudspeakers past permitted hours. Despite a 2024 interim court order directing authorities to prevent such violations, no concrete action was taken.
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In 2024, the court ordered authorities to ensure “no sewage or wastewater is released into nearby properties.” However, the petitioner alleges negligence in enforcement.
Sivagnanan criticized local officials for ignoring repeated complaints, allowing Isha to operate without fear of legal consequences. He emphasized that the foundation, though registered as an educational institution, functions as a large-scale event organizer, disregarding environmental laws.
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Whether Isha Foundation obtained mandatory permits for loudspeaker use. Steps taken by TNPCB to prevent sewage discharge into surrounding areas. Compliance with National Green Tribunal (NGT) orders on noise pollution.
The bench also warned against granting permissions for the 2024 event without verifying adherence to norms.
Case Title: S T Sivagnanan v The State of Tamil Nadu and Others
Case No: WP 5776 of 2025
