The Supreme Court has intervened in the ongoing scrutiny of the Isha Foundation, led by Jaggi Vasudev, commonly known as Sadhguru. On October 3, the Court stayed police action against the foundation and transferred the matter from the Madras High Court to itself, directing the Tamil Nadu police to submit a status report.
A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud was hearing the foundation’s challenge to a recent Madras High Court order that sought a report on all criminal cases involving the organization. This scrutiny intensified after the High Court ordered inquiries into allegations concerning the foundation, leading to police investigations at the Isha Foundation’s ashram in Thondamuthur.
Background of the Case
The Isha Foundation came under fire following a habeas corpus petition filed by Dr. S. Kamaraj, a 69-year-old retired professor from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. He alleged that his two daughters, Geetha (42) and Latha Kamaraj (39), were being confined at the Isha Yoga Centre against their will. Dr. Kamaraj accused the foundation of brainwashing individuals, converting them into monks, and restricting their contact with family members.
According to reports, the petition claims that the foundation coerced his daughters into becoming monks and that it limits their interaction with relatives. Dr. Kamaraj’s elder daughter, who has an engineering degree and a master's from a well-known university in the UK, is specifically mentioned in the petition.
During the hearing on September 30, the Madras High Court, led by Justices SM Subramaniam and V. Sivagnanam, questioned Sadhguru’s encouragement of young women to shave their heads and adopt a hermitic lifestyle, especially considering that he had married off his own daughter and ensured her well-being.
Initially, the counsel for the Isha Foundation resisted bringing the two women in question before the court. However, following the High Court's directive, they ultimately produced the women later that day, as reported by ThePrint.
Police Inquiry Details
In response to the High Court’s directive, approximately 150 police personnel, led by Coimbatore Superintendent of Police K. Karthikeyan, conducted inquiries at the ashram on Tuesday and Wednesday. These investigations involved officials from the social welfare department and the district child protection unit.
The situation remains fluid as the Supreme Court takes on the matter, with the police expected to provide a comprehensive report on their findings and any actions taken.
Sadhguru's Controversies
Despite his widespread appeal, Sadhguru’s journey has not been without controversy. Critics have raised concerns about his views on various topics, including his stance on environmental issues, his remarks on traditional medicine, and the commercial aspects of his foundation. Some accuse him of being overly commercialized, while others challenge his interpretations of spirituality.
One of the more prominent controversies involved the construction of the Isha Center in the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats, where critics voiced concerns about environmental degradation. Sadhguru defended the initiative, emphasizing sustainable practices and the center’s role in promoting ecological awareness.
Additionally, his statements regarding political and social issues have drawn both support and criticism. While some admire his candidness, others believe his remarks sometimes blur the lines between spirituality and politics.