SC Praises Gasifier Crematoriums Run By Isha As 'Pious Work', Asks Parties To Resolve Matter Amicably

Last Updated:February 26, 2026, 19:18 IST

The SC urged an amicable settlement between Coimbatore villagers and Isha Foundation over a crematorium near Isha Yoga Center, suggesting mediation by Justice Rajendran.

The Supreme Court on Thursday called for an amicable settlement of the dispute between some residents of a village in Coimbatore and spiritual organisation Isha Foundation over the latter’s decision to set up a crematorium near the village.

The Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul Pancholi said that Isha Foundation was doing pious work and the villagers could be given alternative land and compensation.

“Burial has become an expensive affair. Isha Foundation is not a religious service. They are doing some pious work. It’s a good work also. Did you sell this land to them? You can only claim that you sold for lawful activity, but you cannot dictate it to them (what they should or should not do). Let them find a suitable place for you and compensate you so that you have better living conditions," said CJI Kant.

The dispute is regarding the establishment of a crematorium near the Isha Foundation’s Yoga Center in Coimbatore.

The counsel representing the residents informed the Court that the stench from the burning bodies was making it difficult for them.

Previously, the residents had approached the Madras High Court, stating that the crematorium violates a 90-meter rule under the Tamil Nadu Village Panchayats (Provision of Burial and Burning Grounds) Rules, 1999. The HC had dismissed the plea last month, prompting the residents to move the SC.

On Thursday, Advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing the local residents, told the Court: “The community that stays there… do not burn but bury bodies. Now Isha Foundation is saying, come to this land, burn body and attain moksha. They are bringing the bodies from Coimbatore and burning it here. They (petitioners) are local tribals."

According to Bar and Bench, the Bench requested retired Madras High Court judge, Justice Rajendran to mediate the dispute.

“On our suggestion, the parties are agreeable to explore a possibility of an amicable solution, so that compensation can be paid to purchase a residential house at another place of his choice. We urge the parties to settle their dispute amicably," the Court recorded in its order.

Following this, Isha Foundation released a statement, saying, “People belonging to more than five village panchayats surrounding the Isha Yoga Center had requested government officials to set up a crematorium near their locality. Following this, Isha Foundation, with panchayat permission and by following the approval and guidelines of other relevant government departments, including the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, established a modern gasifier crematorium."

“The gasifier crematorium has been built with proper panchayat permission and within the rules. Furthermore, the construction of a crematorium, especially a gas crematorium, serves the society; it cannot be called against public interest," and subsequently dismissed the case," it added.

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