In a decisive conclusion to the Isha Foundation case, Chief Justice DY Chandrachud criticized the Madras High Court for ordering a police inquiry, emphasizing that legal proceedings should not be weaponized to tarnish the reputations of individuals or institutions
The Supreme Court has formally closed the proceedings on the petition for alleged illegal confinement against spiritual organizations led by Isha Foundation’s Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, as two women, in their statements, confirmed that they were residing voluntarily in the ashram of the organisation without any coercion.
The bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud sharply criticized the Madras High Court for ordering a police inquiry into their habeas corpus petition filed by their parents. “These proceedings cannot be used to malign people and institutions, Chief Justice Chandrachud said while hearing on the petition.
The case started when the parents of the two women, who are now 39 and 42 years old, said they were being confined and undergoing “brainwashing” at the Isha Foundation’s ashram in Coimbatore. The Madras High Court then ordered a police inquiry and the case landed today in the Supreme Court. During successive hearings, however, the two women clarified that they were not forcibly detained at the ashram and that they enjoyed full freedom to depart.
The Tamil Nadu Police also expressed their anxiety over Isha Foundation, as several cases of missing persons were found to be linked to the said organization. Coimbatore Superintendent of Police K Karthikeyan said that six cases of missing persons were registered at the Alandurai Police Station in the last 15 years, of which five had been traced and one was still under inquiry.
ALSO READ
They also took part in public activities, such as 10 km run and are regularly in touch with their parents,” Rohatgi said referring to the women who had joined the ashram when they were 24 and 27 years old and were consciously a part of it, he added. Illegal confinement charges could not be sustained, he added.
After an online interaction with the two women, Chief Justice Chandrachud confirmed that they expressed their voluntary stay at the Isha Foundation. “Once that is established, no further direction is needed in this habeas corpus case,” he declared.
Supreme Court also reminded the woman’s father to work on his daughters’ distrust and added, “You can see writing on the wall.”
While closing the case, the Chief Justice clarified that the order was strictly limited to the habeas corpus petition and that police investigations then could go on unimpeded. He said that an ICC was necessary when women and minors were involved, and ordered Rohatgi to ensure that Isha Foundation adheres to these requirements. The Chief Justice also observed that it is the duty of the state to make overtures to the organization to facilitate conformity with the guidelines enumerated above.
We strive to make a lasting impact on India’s policy and planning landscape through fair, unbiased, and incisive research based journalism.
But we can’t do it alone.
Together, we can create a better India, where policies are fair, planning is unbiased, and the truth prevails. Your contribution matters, and we shall be immensely grateful for your support.