1 week Ago By Zainab Shafiq
In a significant development, the Supreme Court has discharged case against Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev’s Isha Foundation. The proceedings were based on an allegation of illegal confinement of two women at the Coimbatore ashram. Confirmation was elicited that the two women, a 39-year-old and a 42-year-old-are indeed staying at the ashram by their choice.
The case had originated from a habeas corpus petition filed by the parents of the women, who alleged that the women were “brainwashed” and being held against their will. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud headed the Supreme Court bench for the review of the case. The women contended that they had not been coerced and had joined the ashram of their own free will.
The Supreme Court criticized the order of police probe by the Madras High Court. Chief Justice Chandrachud said legal proceedings should not be directed to malign individuals or institutions. Table of Contents Police Show Concerns Against Isha Foundation Case Against Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev’s Isha Foundation: Court Asks Parents to Trust the Daughters Police Show Concerns Against Isha Foundation Earlier this year, the Tamil Nadu Police had expressed concern about the Isha Foundation.
Six missing persons cases related to the foundation have been registered over the past 15 years. Five of the six missing persons cases have been closed. One case at the Alandurai Police Station is still under investigation.
The Isha Foundation was represented in court by senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi on the day of the hearing. Mr. Rohatgi informed the court that the women had self-admitted themselves to the ashram when the applicants were 24 and 27 years old respectively.
The Supreme Court had a virtual interaction with both the women. Both stated that they were staying in the respective ashram on their will. As per the statements: These proceedings cannot be to malign people and malign institutions,” They also participated in public events such as a 10 km marathon.
They maintained regular contact with their families while on stay. Court Record The statement of the women that they had come voluntarily, was recorded by the court. Chief Justice Chandrachud said that the case must have been shut much earlier based on the testimony of the women.
“The women even participated in public events, like a 10 km marathon, and are in regular contact with their parents.” Case Against Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev’s Isha Foundation: Court Asks Parents to Trust the Daughters The court determined that it was enough guidance for the habeas corpus case. The chief justice speaks to the women’s father saying, “You must gain their trust.
” The court tells the father of the ‘writing on the wall’ regarding the women’s autonomy. The Supreme Court clarified that its ruling applied strictly to the habeas corpus petition. The court has no intention to interfere with any probe into the foundation that police may be carrying out at the moment.
Any other aspects of the inquiry as conducted by the Tamil Nadu Police, they are free to pursue. The court recommended that Isha Foundation formulate an Internal Complaints Committee. The ICC will be in place to address complaints specifically with regards to women and children in the ashram.
Chief Justice Chandrachud then directed Mukul Rohatgi to follow up on Isha Foundation to seek whether they were indeed adhering to the ICC. The court also recommended that Tamil Nadu government dialog with Isha Foundation to determine whether Isha was indeed complying. The testimonies of the women corroborated that there was no basis for the allegations of illegal confinement.
The cases of missing persons were the reasons why the scrutiny fell on Isha Foundation. The court focused on the fact that adults’ autonomy should be respected in this regard. In such a case, caution adopted by the judiciary while dealing with allegations that may maliciously harm someone’s reputation without any ground is highlighted.
Also, see: Sadhguru Open Challenge still intact after 5 years: If you show me just one inch of encroached forest land at Isha, I will leave the country.
