From The Madras High Court, The Supreme Court Takes Up The Case Against Sadhguru And The Isha Foundation.
Last Updated on October 3, 2024 by Arti Kumari
The High Court ordered the Tamil Nadu government to produce information about all criminal proceedings filed against the Isha Foundation, and that directive was followed two days ago by the ruling.
On Thursday, the Madras High Court’s case involving the Isha Foundation and spiritual leader Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev was moved to the Supreme Court.
The High Court ordered the Tamil Nadu government to produce information about all criminal proceedings filed against the Isha Foundation, and that directive was followed two days ago by the ruling. This came about after a father filed a motion with the court, claiming that his two daughters, who are 39 and 42 years old, were “brainwashed” into living at the Isha Yoga Centre in Coimbatore.
A S Kamaraj, the petitioner before the High Court, further stated that the Foundation was the target of multiple criminal proceedings as well as charges of sexual harassment and misconduct.
Notably, the order was passed by a bench consisting of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, after Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing the Isha Foundation, brought up the subject today.
In chambers, the Bench communicated digitally with both women. Following the exchange, the Bench observed that they asserted their voluntary stay at the ashram.
“The Court has communicated with each of the parties. The people mentioned during the conversation that they were 24 and 27 years old when they joined the ashram. We spoke with both of them, and they told us that they were willing to stay and that they could leave the ashram at any time,” the directive stated.
It additionally placed an order for:
- The Madras High Court will transfer the case to the Supreme Court;
- Permit the initial petitioner to appear via a virtual platform or via legal representation;
- The Supreme Court will receive the police status report;
- In accordance with the High Court’s directives, the Police will not take any more action.
In the case, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta represented the Central government and backed the Isha Foundation’s argument.
“The High Court ought to have exercised extreme caution. You must pay attention to this.”
The High Court voiced grave concerns at the September 30 hearing on Vasudev’s motivation for marrying his daughter and ensuring her successful life, while simultaneously pushing other women to give up their material possessions.
We are curious as to why someone who successfully married his daughter and helped her establish a good life for herself is pushing other women’s daughters to wear heads scarves and lead hermit lives. That is the uncertainty, the Bench said verbally.
