In a significant decision, the Supreme Court has intervened to pause a Madras High Court directive requiring Tamil Nadu police to investigate allegations against the Isha Foundation, led by spiritual leader Sadhguru. The Supreme Court’s ruling came today as it took control of the case and mandated that the police submit a status report, explicitly stating that no further action should be taken in accordance with the High Court’s order.
The bench, presided over by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, was addressing Isha Foundation’s appeal against the High Court’s order, which had prompted a substantial police presence at the foundation’s Coimbatore facility on Tuesday. This investigation was initiated following a petition filed by retired professor S. Kamaraj, who claimed that his daughters, Geeta and Lata, were manipulated into staying at the Isha Yoga Centre against their will. Kamaraj alleged that the foundation prevented his daughters from maintaining family contact.
In response to these allegations, Isha Foundation firmly refuted the claims, asserting that both women—ages 42 and 39—were residing at the ashram voluntarily. The two women were presented before the High Court, where they confirmed their willingness to remain at the center. The foundation also accused Kamaraj and others of attempting to trespass under the guise of being part of a fact-finding committee.
During the proceedings, Chief Justice Chandrachud highlighted a recent incident involving a doctor at the ashram who was charged with child abuse under the POCSO Act, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation. Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Isha Foundation, argued that the alleged incidents did not occur on the foundation’s premises.
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The Chief Justice inquired whether the two women could join the proceedings virtually, to which Rohatgi responded affirmatively. Chandrachud expressed concern over the police presence at the ashram, stating, “The first thing is that you cannot let an army of police in the establishment like this.” He proposed that a judicial officer visit the premises to converse with the women directly.
One of the women participated in the hearing via video conference, reaffirming her willingness to stay at the ashram. She further alleged that their father had subjected them to harassment for the past eight years. The Chief Justice remarked that this situation pertained to a habeas corpus petition and indicated the intention to speak with both women privately.
Ultimately, the Supreme Court noted that the women had joined the ashram at ages 24 and 27 and were living there of their own accord. It was also mentioned that their mother had filed a similar petition eight years ago. The Supreme Court has now requested the petitioner, Kamaraj, to appear before it for further discussions.
