1 week Ago
New Delhi: An application has been submitted to the Supreme Court seeking strict enforcement of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013, in all religious institutions and gatherings. This move aims to ensure the safety and rights of women at such places. The application was filed by the OBC Mahasabha and others in connection with a case involving allegations against the Isha Foundation, a spiritual organisation founded by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev.
The case came to light after S Kamaraj, a retired professor from Coimbatore, claimed that his two daughters were being manipulated by the spiritual leader. The Isha Foundation, which conducts spiritual programmes worldwide, is under scrutiny for not adhering to the 2013 Act, despite its significant gatherings and global presence. The application, submitted through advocate Varun Thakur, pointed out that the foundation has failed to implement workplace safety laws meant to protect women from harassment.
The application also noted a recent case involving a doctor at the Isha Foundation, who was accused of molesting 12 girls at an Adivasi Government School. This incident further highlighted the need for strict adherence to the 2013 Act in religious institutions. The petition argued that the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act should be enforced in all religious institutions, regardless of faith.
It stressed that these institutions often have large numbers of male and female workers and devotees, creating the need for proper safety measures. The petition also criticised the Isha Foundation for not following Section 4 of the 2013 Act, which requires organisations to implement internal mechanisms for addressing workplace harassment. Despite its large infrastructure, the foundation’s website and other sources show no evidence of compliance.
On October 3, the Supreme Court stepped in and restrained the Tamil Nadu police from taking further action against the Isha Foundation. This came after the Madras High Court had directed the police to investigate allegations related to the ashram. The case was transferred to the Supreme Court after the Isha Foundation argued that a large police team had entered the ashram for investigation.
The court has asked the police to submit a status report on the investigation. The case began when Kamaraj filed a habeas corpus petition, alleging that his two daughters were being held against their will at the Isha Yoga Centre. He claimed that they were being brainwashed and were not allowed to stay in touch with their family.
While the daughters appeared before the High Court and stated that they were staying voluntarily at the ashram, the court expressed concerns and requested details of criminal cases involving the institution. The Isha Foundation has denied all allegations, maintaining that the women are staying at the ashram of their own free will..
