Supreme Court Closes Illegal Confinement Case Against Isha Foundation Following Women's Statements
The Madras High Court has ordered a police investigation into two women linked to the Isha Foundation, in which the Supreme Court is involved.
The petition claimed that the women, aged 39 and 42, were being held against their will and had been "brainwashed" at the ashram in Coimbatore.
The Supreme Court on Friday closed a case involving alleged illegal confinement against Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev’s Isha Foundation.
This decision followed statements from two women who confirmed they were living at the organisation's ashram voluntarily, without any coercion.
Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, leading the bench, criticised the Madras High Court for its orders calling for a police investigation based on a habeas corpus petition filed by the women's parents.
"These proceedings should not be used to tarnish individuals and institutions," the Chief Justice remarked during the hearing.
The petition claimed that the women, aged 39 and 42, were being held against their will and had been "brainwashed" at the ashram in Coimbatore.
The Madras High Court has ordered a police investigation into two women linked to the Isha Foundation, in which the Supreme Court is involved.
Despite the women stating they were free, the case continued. The Tamil Nadu Police raised concerns about missing persons cases associated with the foundation.
A total of six missing cases were registered at the Alandurai Police Station in the past 15 years. Of these, five are closed, while one is still open.
During the hearing, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing the Isha Foundation, stated that the women had voluntarily joined the ashram when they were 24 and 27 years old, arguing that the allegations of illegal confinement were baseless.
He added that the women participated in public events, such as a 10 km marathon, and maintained regular contact with their parents.
After a virtual meeting with the women, Chief Justice Chandrachud said the court had confirmed their voluntary stay at the Isha Foundation. He emphasized that no further action was needed in the habeas corpus case.
The court also advised the women’s father to earn their trust, saying, "You can see writing on the wall." It clarified that its ruling was specific to the habeas corpus petition and would not interfere with any ongoing police investigations, which the state could continue to pursue.
