Mon Feb 24 08:46:50 UTC 2025: ## Madras High Court Dismisses Petition to Halt Isha Yoga Centre’s Mahashivratri Celebrations

**CHENNAI, February 24, 2025** – The Madras High Court today dismissed a writ petition seeking to halt the Mahashivratri celebrations at the Isha Yoga Centre in Coimbatore. The petitioner, a neighboring landowner, S.T. Sivagnanam, expressed concerns about noise and pollution levels during the large-scale event.

However, the court, citing the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB)’s report, found no grounds to interfere. The TNPCB confirmed that the Isha Foundation complied with all pollution norms during last year’s celebrations, including maintaining noise levels within the permissible limit of 75 dB(A). The board also detailed the adequate sewage treatment capacity at the Centre and its plans to manage the expected increase in waste during this year’s event. The TNPCB stated that seating was arranged for 60,000 people last year, contradicting the petitioner’s claim of seven lakh attendees. The court noted that the TNPCB will monitor noise and pollution levels during the upcoming celebrations.

The Isha Foundation’s legal representation assured the court that they utilize noise limiters and do not employ cone speakers.

While acknowledging the importance of upholding environmental regulations and protecting citizens’ rights, the judges determined that the petitioner’s apprehensions did not warrant intervention, given the TNPCB’s assessment of compliance. A similar petition filed by the same petitioner for the 2024 celebrations remains pending before the High Court. The Mahashivratri celebrations are scheduled for the night of February 26-27, 2025.

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