Sadhguru's Isha Foundation Challenges Madras High Court Order In Supreme Court

Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev's Isha Foundation approached the Supreme Court to challenge a Madras High Court order that directed the Tamil Nadu government to submit a report detailing all criminal cases registered against the foundation, on Thursday.

Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing the Isha Foundation, sought an urgent hearing before the apex court.

Sadhguru's Isha Foundation Challenges Madras HC

The Centre has shown support for the foundation's request. Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, presiding over the bench, indicated that the High Court order might be stayed, as it appeared to lack any clear prima facie reason for such a directive. Furthermore, the CJI stated that the bench would personally meet with the two women involved in the case, who were allegedly "brainwashed" and detained at the foundation, before passing any interim orders.

High Court's Inquiry into Isha Foundation

The Madras High Court's directive came as part of a habeas corpus petition filed by a retired professor. The professor alleged that his two well-educated daughters, aged 42 and 39, had been "brainwashed" by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev to permanently reside at the Isha Yoga Centre in Coimbatore. He claimed that food and medicines administered to his daughters at the centre had affected their cognitive abilities, leading them to sever ties with their families.

In response, the Isha Foundation argued that both women had voluntarily chosen to live at the centre, rejecting the professor's claims of coercion. They contended that the High Court should not expand the scope of the case, as the women had made their decisions willingly.

However, the High Court emphasized its neutral stance, stating, "You will not understand because you are appearing for a particular party. But this court is neither for nor against anybody. We only want to do justice to the litigants."

The court's order requested the Tamil Nadu government to submit a status report on any pending criminal cases involving the foundation. This prompted a robust inspection of the Isha Yoga Centre on Tuesday, led by a team of around 150 police officers and government officials. The inspection was headed by Coimbatore district superintendent of police, K Karthikeyan, and District Social Welfare Officer, R Ambika. Officials conducted inquiries with people residing at the centre and assessed the overall conditions of the facility.

The Foundation's Response

The Isha Foundation has consistently maintained that women choose to stay at the centre of their own free will. They have also denied any unlawful activity at the centre. With the case now escalated to the Supreme Court, the foundation aims to overturn the High Court's order that sought the criminal case report.

The foundation's legal team is optimistic that the Supreme Court will side with their arguments, given that no concrete evidence has been provided to substantiate the allegations against them.

Broader Context

The case has drawn significant attention due to the involvement of Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, a globally renowned spiritual leader. The Isha Foundation operates the Isha Yoga Centre, which attracts thousands of followers worldwide. This legal battle comes amid increasing scrutiny of the foundation's activities and its influence over its residents.

The Supreme Court's ruling on the matter could have significant implications for both the foundation and its ongoing operations. For now, the case awaits the next hearing and the court's decision on whether to stay the High Court's order.