In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court of India has dismissed all legal proceedings against the Isha Foundation, a spiritual organization led by renowned leader Sadhguru, following allegations made by a father regarding the purported brainwashing of his two daughters into joining the ashram in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. The court's decision underscores the voluntary nature of the daughters' decisions, rejecting claims of unlawful detention. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, who presided over the case, expressed strong criticism towards the Madras High Court for its “completely inappropriate” handling of the matter, which had previously ordered a police inquiry into the allegations.
The Supreme Court emphasized that the two women, Geeta and Lata, are adults—aged 27 and 24 at the time of joining the ashram—who chose to live there of their own accord. Consequently, Chief Justice Chandrachud stated that there was no need for further directions from the judicial forum. The ruling comes in the wake of the Madras High Court's directive that led to police raids on the Isha Foundation, which sparked a swift appeal to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court intervened earlier this month, suspending the police investigation initiated by the Madras High Court against the foundation. The Isha Foundation has steadfastly denied the allegations, asserting that both women, now aged 42 and 39, are voluntary residents.
During court proceedings, one of the daughters appeared via video link, confirming that they had chosen to live at the ashram willingly. She further accused their father of eight years of harassment, a claim echoed by her sister. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing the Isha Foundation, pointed out that the Tamil Nadu Police's status report corroborated the assertion that the women were living at the ashram voluntarily. The Supreme Court also addressed the father directly, advising him that he could not control the lives of his adult daughters and suggesting that he should focus on “winning their confidence” rather than pursuing legal action. This ruling is specific to the case at hand and does not prevent future legal actions concerning other matters related to the Isha Foundation. Nevertheless, it marks a significant moment for the organization and its followers, reinforcing the importance of personal choice and autonomy in matters of spiritual and communal living.
