New Delhi, Feb 26 (NationPress) The Supreme Court, acknowledging the noble efforts of the Isha Foundation, has appointed retired Madras High Court Judge Rajendran as a mediator in a dispute involving a landowner and a gas crematorium operated at the Isha Yoga Center in Coimbatore, a legal representative stated.

During the proceedings, the Supreme Court observed that the petitioner had previously sold part of his land to Isha and encouraged both parties to engage in discussions to achieve an amicable resolution concerning the land adjacent to the petitioner’s property.

The court suggested that an arrangement for alternative land for the petitioner could be facilitated through mediation.

This case, previously dismissed by the Madras High Court, was brought before the Supreme Court following a Special Leave Petition (SLP) submitted by the petitioner regarding the modern gas crematorium at the Isha Yoga Center.

Chief Justice Surya Kant of the Supreme Court commended the Isha Foundation’s community service, referring to it as “noble work.” Both parties agreed to work towards a resolution through negotiations, leading to the appointment of Judge Rajendran as the mediator.

The Madras High Court had earlier dismissed the case against the gas crematorium, stating that the petitioner lacked legal standing. The gasifier crematorium was constructed with the necessary panchayat approvals and complied with regulations, emphasizing that such a facility, especially a gas crematorium, benefits society and cannot be deemed contrary to public interest.

Residents from over five surrounding village panchayats had requested local authorities to establish a crematorium in their area.

In response, the Isha Foundation, with the required panchayat approval and in accordance with guidelines from relevant governmental bodies, including the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, developed a modern gasifier crematorium.

Since 2010, the Isha Foundation has been operating crematoriums across Tamil Nadu with the mission of providing “Dignity in Death” for all individuals. Currently, Isha oversees 30 crematoriums in regions such as Chennai Besant Nagar, Coimbatore, Neyveli, Vellore, and Thanjavur.

These crematoriums are designed to create a serene and green atmosphere, akin to a park, with trees planted and maintained around the facility. They also include proper walkways, hygienic bathing and toilet facilities, and excellent infrastructure supported by the government to mitigate environmental impact. Isha maintains this service with a charitable intention, devoid of commercial motives.

In December of the previous year, the Isha Foundation, in partnership with the Tamil Nadu Government, introduced a scheme offering “free cremation services for families below the poverty line”, assisting economically disadvantaged people in conducting the last rites of their loved ones with dignity and no financial burden.