In a significant development for spiritual leader Sadhguru, the Supreme Court of India has temporarily paused a Madras High Court order that mandated an investigation into his Isha Foundation. The decision comes in response to the foundation’s challenge against the high court ruling, which had instructed Tamil Nadu police to investigate allegations concerning the organization.
The bench, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, heard the case on Tuesday after hundreds of police officers entered the Isha Foundation’s premises in Coimbatore. The high court’s order was issued following a petition from retired professor S. Kamaraj, who claimed that his daughters, Geeta and Lata, were “brainwashed” into living at the Isha Yoga Centre and were prevented from maintaining contact with their family.
The Isha Foundation firmly denied these allegations, asserting that the two women, aged 42 and 39, had voluntarily chosen to stay at the center. During a previous court appearance, both women confirmed their willingness to remain at the ashram, contradicting their father’s claims. Additionally, the foundation accused Kamaraj and others of attempting to trespass under the guise of a fact-finding committee.
While addressing the matter, Chief Justice Chandrachud acknowledged a recent incident involving a doctor at the foundation who faced child abuse charges under the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. He emphasized that the investigation must proceed, with Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Isha Foundation, arguing that the alleged incidents did not occur on the foundation’s premises.
The Chief Justice proposed that instead of allowing a large police presence, a judicial officer should visit the ashram to speak with the two women directly. During the virtual court session, one of the women reiterated her commitment to staying at the ashram and accused their father of harassment over the past eight years.
Notably, the court learned that both women had joined the ashram when they were 24 and 27, respectively, and that their mother had filed a similar petition eight years earlier. The Supreme Court has now instructed the petitioner, Kamaraj, to appear before it to further discuss the case.
The temporary relief granted to Sadhguru and the Isha Foundation reflects the court’s intent to ensure a fair assessment of the allegations while safeguarding the rights and choices of individuals involved in the matter. The Supreme Court’s actions highlight the ongoing legal complexities surrounding personal freedom, family disputes, and the role of spiritual organizations in contemporary society.
Sources By Agencies
