Karnataka HC Dismisses PIL Challenging Isha Foundation Construction Near Nandi Hills

The Karnataka High Court on Thursday dismissed a PIL challenging the construction of Isha Foundation near the famous Nandi Hills in Chikkaballapur district.

The order was passed by a Division Bench comprised of Chief Justice PB Varale and Justice Ashok S Kinagi after the court was informed that the petitioners had failed to disclose certain cases filed against them.

The bench observed, “The requirement is that you have to supply all information so that one is approaching court with clean hands. That is the minimum expectation.”

During the hearing, Senior advocate Uday Holla, who was representing the respondent, informed the Court that certain information about the petitioner’s antecedents had not been disclosed. The petitioners contended that the case had been filed maliciously.

The Court, on the other hand, rejected the argument, stating that compliance with the rules requiring disclosure of such information was important.

The bench stated, “You want us to investigate the reasons. We are on the basic premise that the petitioner must come to court with clean hands. It is not an atomic formula; it is quite simple.”

Therefore, the bench dismissed the petition on this ground.

In the PIL, the petitioner questioned the proposed construction near Nandi Hills, claiming that he was espousing the cause for the general public against the illegal use and exploitation of land for commercial purposes.

The petitioner claimed that the government had allowed the Isha Yoga Centre to harm the Nandi Hills ecosystem in violation of environmental laws. It was their contention that this would have a direct impact on the lives of local residents and wild animals in the area.

During the previous hearing, the High Court granted Isha Foundation permission to proceed with unveiling of the 112-foot-tall bust of Adiyogi Shiva near Nandi Hills on January 15.