The Supreme Court on Thursday heard a special petition (SLP) filed by an individual challenging the establishment of a modern gas-fired crematorium at the Isha Yoga Center in Coimbatore, a case that was earlier dismissed by the Madras High Court.During the hearing, the Chief Justice of India described Isha’s services as “pious work” and recommended that both parties make arrangements for the petitioner’s alternative land. The Supreme Court noted that the petitioner had sold part of its land to the Isha Foundation but argued that the purpose of the sale was not to build a crematorium. The judge recommended that both parties discuss the adjacent land issue and explore an amicable solution, and both parties agreed to resolve the matter through negotiations. During the hearing, lawyer Prashant Bhushan, representing the petitioner, argued that the crematorium was creating a nuisance with bodies being cremated every day for the past few weeks and was in violation of local rules prohibiting setting up of crematoriums or burial grounds near residences or water bodies without a Gram Panchayat permit. He also emphasized that the petitioner’s home was in a tribal area where burial rather than cremation was the customary practice and the body brought to the crematorium was brought from Coimbatore city, about 30 kilometers away.For this purpose, the Supreme Court appointed retired Madras High Court judge Rajendran as mediator.The Madras High Court had earlier dismissed the case stating, “The petitioner has no legal basis. The gasifier crematorium was constructed with appropriate panchayat permission and in compliance with the rules. Furthermore, construction of crematoriums, especially gas crematoriums, is to serve the society; it cannot be held to be contrary to public interest.”The foundation said residents of more than five villages surrounding the Isha Yoga Center have requested authorities to set up a crematorium in the area. It is said that the Isha Foundation subsequently established a modern gasifier crematorium after obtaining the approval of the panchayat and the necessary permissions from relevant government departments such as the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board.The Isha Foundation said it has been operating and maintaining crematoriums in Tamil Nadu since 2010 with the goal of providing “dignity in death”. Currently, the company has 30 crematoriums in Besant Nagar, Coimbatore, Neyveli, Vellore and Thanjavur districts of Chennai.
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