New Delhi, February 26: On February 26, 2026, the Supreme Court heard a case concerning the modern gasifier crematorium established by the Isha Foundation at its Isha Yoga Center in Coimbatore.
This case had previously been dismissed by the Madras High Court, prompting the petitioner to file a special leave petition. During the hearing, the Chief Justice of India commended the crematoriums operated by Isha, describing them as a ‘sacred service’ and advised the parties to resolve their dispute amicably.
The court noted that the petitioner had already sold a portion of his land to Isha. Therefore, both parties could negotiate a solution regarding the remaining adjacent land. Following the court’s advice, both sides agreed to settle the matter amicably. The court appointed retired Justice Rajendran of the Madras High Court as the mediator for this purpose.
Previously, the Madras High Court had dismissed the petition, stating that the petitioner lacked a solid legal basis. The court recognized that the gasifier crematorium was constructed with proper permissions and regulations from the local panchayat. It also stated that crematoriums, especially gasifier ones, serve the public interest and cannot be deemed contrary to it.
Reports indicate that panchayats from more than five villages surrounding the Isha Yoga Center had expressed the need for a crematorium in their area. Subsequently, the Isha Foundation constructed the modern gasifier crematorium with the panchayat’s approval, as well as the necessary permissions from the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board and other relevant government departments.
Since 2010, the Isha Foundation has been operating and maintaining crematoriums across various parts of Tamil Nadu. Currently, the organization oversees nearly 30 crematoriums in locations including Besant Nagar in Chennai, Coimbatore, Neyveli, Vellore, and Thanjavur. These sites offer a green environment, clean facilities, and eco-friendly infrastructure.
In December of last year, the Isha Foundation, in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu government, launched a program to provide free cremation services for families living below the poverty line, ensuring that economically disadvantaged families can honor their loved ones with dignity.
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