Madras High Court Dismisses Plea Against Isha Foundation’s Maha Shivaratri Celebrations

 Chennai: The Madras High Court has dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging the Maha Shivaratri celebrations at the Isha Foundation in Coimbatore. The decision was based on a report submitted by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB), confirming that the event adhered to environmental and noise pollution norms.

The petitioner, S.T. Sivagnanan, a local farmer, alleged that last year’s event violated pollution norms and sought legal action against the foundation for causing excessive noise pollution and lacking proper sewage treatment facilities. However, TNPCB’s report, filed by its member-secretary R. Kannan, stated that ambient noise levels during the 2024 Maha Shivaratri celebrations remained within the permissible limit of 75 dB(A) for non-classified areas. Additionally, the foundation has adequate sewage treatment plants to manage waste generated during the event.

The report further clarified that the event’s seating capacity was 60,000, significantly lower than the 700,000 claimed by the petitioner. Noting these findings, the court dismissed the plea.

In its response, TNPCB also informed the court that Isha Foundation had obtained an adequacy report for its sewage treatment plants from the Government College of Technology, Coimbatore. Additionally, the foundation has been directed to submit an environmental audit report from Anna University and IIT Madras.

The Maha Shivaratri celebrations at Isha Foundation continue to attract large gatherings, with environmental compliance being closely monitored by regulatory authorities.