In a major win for spiritual leader Sadhguru, the Supreme Court has dismissed a habeas corpus petition against his ashram, Isha Yoga Centre, made by a retired professor claiming that his two daughters were being held captive and brainwashed there. The court deemed the allegations "completely inappropriate" and cited the women's statements that they were living in the ashram voluntarily. The apex court criticized the malafide intent behind the petition, calling for more responsible use of the court's time. The court also stated that closure of the case would not affect any regulatory compliances, such as the requirement for an internal complaint committee in institutions with women and minors.
Isha Foundation's Legal Victory: Supreme Court Dismisses Habeas Corpus Petition
Background:
The Isha Yoga Centre, founded by renowned spiritual leader Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, has been embroiled in a legal battle involving allegations of confinement and brainwashing of two women. In September 2022, a retired professor filed a habeas corpus petition with the Supreme Court of India, seeking the production of his daughters, claiming they were being held captive at the ashram.
Court's Verdict:
On December 12, 2022, the Supreme Court dismissed the habeas corpus petition against Isha Yoga Centre. The court found the allegations "completely inappropriate" and cited the statements of the women concerned, who affirmed that they were living in the ashram voluntarily.
The court criticized the petition for its malafide intent and called for a more responsible use of the court's time. The judges stated that the closure of the case would not affect any regulatory compliances, such as the requirement for an internal complaint committee in institutions with women and minors.
Significance of the Verdict:
The Supreme Court's verdict is a significant victory for Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev and Isha Foundation. It clears the ashram of allegations of wrongdoing and vindicates its reputation. The verdict also highlights the importance of responsible use of legal remedies and the need for individuals to refrain from making unfounded accusations.
FAQs:
According to the Supreme Court's findings, the women are living in the Isha Yoga Centre voluntarily and have expressed no desire to leave.
The petitioner, a retired professor, claimed that his daughters were being held captive and brainwashed at the ashram. However, the court found no evidence to support these allegations.
No, the closure of the habeas corpus case does not affect the requirement for institutions with women and minors to have an internal complaint committee.
The court's criticism highlights the need for individuals to refrain from making unfounded allegations and to use legal remedies responsibly.
The verdict clears the ashram of allegations of wrongdoing and vindicates its reputation. It also sends a message that institutions should not be subjected to frivolous legal actions without proper evidence.
The Supreme Court closed the cases against spiritual leader Sadhguru's Isha Foundation, where two women had alleged illegal confinement. The court stated that the proceedings should not be used to malign people or institutions. The case was filed by a professor who claimed his daughters were "brainwashed" to stay at the Isha Yoga Centre run by the foundation. The court had previously paused the Madras High Court's order to probe the allegations.
A police report submitted to the Supreme Court in response to a habeas corpus petition alleging illegal confinement at Sadhguru's Isha Foundation found no evidence to support the claims. However, the report highlights concerns over the functioning of internal mechanisms at the foundation and documents cases of disappearances and suicides over the past 15 years. The report also details a case of alleged sexual assault at the foundation, raising questions about its safety and oversight policies.
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