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The Isha Foundation, led by spiritual leader Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, has taken the legal battle to the Supreme Court, challenging a Madras High Court order demanding a report from the Tamil Nadu government on all criminal cases registered against the foundation. The controversy arose from a habeas corpus petition filed by a retired professor, who alleged that his two daughters, aged 42 and 39, were brainwashed by Sadhguru and coerced into living permanently at the Isha Yoga Centre in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.
The professor claimed that his daughters had been administered substances at the center that impaired their cognitive abilities, leading to their decision to stay at the ashram. The High Court, while acknowledging the daughters' claims of voluntarily residing at the center, expressed concern over the professor's allegations and sought the status report on criminal cases against the foundation. The court's decision was based on its belief that justice required a comprehensive understanding of the situation.
In response to the High Court order, the Isha Foundation, represented by senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appealed to the Supreme Court, seeking an urgent hearing. The Supreme Court, acknowledging the lack of a clear prima facie reason for the High Court's order, indicated its intention to stay the order and conduct its own investigation. The Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, will also meet with the two daughters in his chamber to gather their firsthand perspective on the situation before issuing an interim order.
The incident sparked intense scrutiny of the Isha Foundation, with a team of 150 police personnel and government officials inspecting the yoga center in Coimbatore to assess the living conditions and interview individuals residing there. The foundation insists that the daughters' choice to live at the center is entirely their own, while the professor maintains that their decision is a result of manipulative practices at the ashram. The Supreme Court's intervention is crucial to determine the truth of these allegations and ensure the safety and well-being of the daughters involved.
This case raises important questions about the boundaries of personal freedom and the potential for manipulation in spiritual communities. It underscores the need for transparency and accountability in such organizations, ensuring that individuals have the freedom to make informed decisions about their lives. The Supreme Court's final ruling will be closely watched as it may have significant implications for the future of spiritual organizations and the rights of individuals within them.
Source: Sadhguru's Isha Foundation moves Supreme Court challenging Madras HC order