SC pulls up TNPCB for filing plea after two years against order quashing notice to Isha Foundation
New Delhi (PTI): The Supreme Court on Friday pulled up the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board for approaching it after two years against a Madras High Court order quashing a showcause notice against Isha Foundation for having constructed various buildings between 2006 and 2014.
A bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice N Kotiswar Singh termed the petition filed by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) as a "friendly match" played by bureaucrats wanting the apex court's stamp on the petition's dismissal.
The top court told Advocate General PS Raman that now that Isha Foundation had constructed a yoga and meditation centre in Coimbatore district's Velliangiri, the state must ensure that there was environmental compliance.
Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Isha Foundation, urged the top court to hear the matter after Shivratri, saying a major function was scheduled to be held.
The bench posted the matter for hearing after Shivratri.
On December 14, 2022, holding that the facilities set up by Isha Foundation in Coimbatore would fall under the 'education' category, the high court set aside the TNPCB notice seeking to know why prosecution should not be launched for constructing various buildings between 2006 and 2014.
The high court quashed the notice dated November 19, 2021, while allowing a petition from the foundation, represented by its founder Jaggi Vasudev.
The showcause notice contended that the foundation had constructed the buildings in the foothills of Velliangiri without obtaining prior environmental clearance.
The Union government had earlier informed the high court that the foundation was imparting yoga lessons, besides running a school. Hence, it would fall under the ambit of 'education'.
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KSCA expresses disappointment over missing IPL playoffs, says it was ready to host matches in B’luru
Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has issued a clarification stating that it was fully prepared to host the IPL playoffs and final matches in Bengaluru but the fixtures were allotted to other venues.
In a media note, KSCA said it was disappointed with the decision. The association stated that its president, former India cricketer Venkatesh Prasad, had been in touch with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and had formally conveyed the association’s readiness and interest in hosting the matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
KSCA said the IPL matches held in Bengaluru this season were appreciated for smooth conduct, crowd management and overall experience for spectators. It said this reflected its ability to handle high-profile matches.
The association also stated that it had sent a detailed communication to the BCCI explaining its preparedness and the operational arrangements followed during the current IPL season. According to KSCA, these systems have been in place since the start of the Indian Premier League in 2008 and were followed consistently, including during previous playoff matches hosted in Bengaluru.
The clarification added that the communication sent to the BCCI was only meant to provide factual and operational details and to bring clarity on logistical and stakeholder-related requirements involved in hosting such matches.
KSCA said that although it had shown willingness and preparedness, the BCCI has decided to allocate the playoff matches to other venues. It added that the reasons for this decision have not been formally shared with the association, but it respects the authority of the board in taking such decisions.
The association further said it remains ready to host matches of national and international importance and will continue to cooperate with the BCCI, franchises, government authorities and other stakeholders for conducting cricket events.
The statement was issued by KSCA official spokesperson Vinay Mruthyunjaya, who also thanked the media and cricket fans for their continued support.
