Supreme Court Rebukes Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board Over Delayed Action Against Isha Foundation

The Supreme Court criticized the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board for delaying a petition against Isha Foundation's alleged violation of environmental norms. The court highlighted the bureaucratic inefficiencies, emphasizing the need for environmental compliance at the yoga center constructed by the Foundation in Coimbatore.

The Supreme Court on Friday criticized the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) for a significant delay in filing a petition against Isha Foundation's reported environmental violations. Two years after the original showcause notice was dismissed by the Madras High Court, the TNPCB sought the Supreme Court's approval to challenge the earlier decision.

A bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice N Kotiswar Singh accused the state authorities of playing a 'friendly match' to obtain the court's endorsement after an inexplicable delay of 637 days. The showcause notice had been issued for constructing buildings without mandatory environmental clearances between 2006 and 2014.

While the Madras High Court recognized the foundation's work as educational under the Centre's notification, it set aside the TNPCB notice. The Supreme Court instructed the state to ensure compliance with environmental norms moving forward, as the foundation's facilities in Coimbatore had been established.

(With inputs from agencies.)