Supreme Court Stays Madras High Court Directive for Police Investigation into Isha Foundation

New Delhi, 3rd October 2024: In a significant relief for spiritual leader Sadhguru, the Supreme Court today held a Madras High Court directive that required Tamil Nadu police to investigate allegations against his Isha Foundation. The apex court assumed control of the case and directed the police to submit a status report, stating that no actions should be taken based on the high court’s order.

The bench, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, was addressing the Isha Foundation’s challenge to the high court ruling after numerous police officers entered its Coimbatore premises on Tuesday.

The high court’s order for an investigation followed a petition by retired professor S. Kamaraj, who claimed that his daughters, Geeta and Lata, were “brainwashed” into residing at the Isha Yoga Centre in Coimbatore. He alleged that the foundation prevented them from maintaining contact with their family.

The Isha Foundation refuted these claims, asserting that the two women, aged 42 and 39, were living on the premises voluntarily. The women were presented in court, where they confirmed this assertion.

Furthermore, the Isha Foundation stated that Kamaraj and others attempted to trespass under the guise of a fact-finding committee.

During today’s proceedings, Chief Justice DY Chandrachud referenced a recent incident in which a doctor at the Foundation’s ashram was charged with child abuse under the stringent POCSO Act, emphasizing that the investigation should continue. Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing the Isha Foundation, argued that the alleged incidents did not occur on its premises.

The Chief Justice then inquired if the two women could join the proceedings virtually so that the bench, which also included Justice JB Pardiwala, could speak to them. Rohatgi confirmed their availability.

The Chief Justice expressed concern, stating, “You cannot allow a large number of police officers into such an establishment.” He proposed appointing a judicial officer to visit the premises and speak with the two residents.

One of the women appeared in court via video link, reiterating that they were at the ashram willingly and accusing their father of harassment for the past eight years.

Acknowledging the nature of the petition as a habeas corpus request, the Chief Justice indicated, “We would like to hear both women in the chamber and reconvene in five minutes.”

Later, the Chief Justice noted that the women reported they joined the ashram when they were 24 and 27, respectively, and were living there by choice. The court also pointed out that the mother of the two women had submitted a similar petition eight years ago. The Supreme Court has now requested the petitioner to appear before it.