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The Madras High Court has directed the State of Tamil Nadu to provide details on criminal cases registered against the Isha Foundation, a spiritual organization based in Coimbatore. This directive comes in response to a habeas corpus petition filed by a retired professor who alleges that his two daughters are being held captive and brainwashed within the foundation. The court is seeking to understand the nature and extent of the allegations against the foundation, which include claims of manipulative practices and a recent case involving a doctor associated with the foundation accused of molesting young girls.
The petitioner, a retired professor, has stated that his daughters, who hold Master’s degrees in Engineering, joined the Isha Foundation in Coimbatore and have since been subjected to what he describes as manipulative practices and brainwashing. He further expresses concern about the environment within the institution, claiming that it has been widely criticized for its practices. His concerns are heightened by a recent criminal case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, where a doctor linked to the foundation stands accused of molesting 12 girls at a local Adivasi government school.
In light of the serious nature of the allegations, the court deemed it necessary to delve deeper into the matter and ascertain the truth behind the claims. The court has asked the petitioner to present evidence related to criminal cases against the foundation, while also instructing the Additional Public Prosecutor to gather and submit all relevant case details. Furthermore, the court has directed the Coimbatore Rural Police to conduct an inquiry into the petitioner's claim that his elder daughter called him on June 15, 2024, informing him that his younger daughter is fasting unto death unless he ends his legal protest and lawsuits against the Isha Yoga Centre. This inquiry will be presented as a status report to the court.
The case highlights the potential for misuse of spiritual organizations and raises questions about the boundaries between religious practice and alleged manipulation. The Madras High Court's decision to investigate the matter underscores the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals within such institutions, particularly when allegations of coercion and harmful practices are raised.
Source: Madras High Court asks State to provide details on criminal cases against Isha Foundation