In a significant reprieve for Sadhgurus Isha Foundation, the Supreme Court on Thursday, issued a stay regarding the Madras High Courts decision against spiritual leader Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev. The case revolves around the claims that he coerced women to adopt a hermitic lifestyle (a way of living that promotes solitude and withdrawal from society).

Additionally, the SC decides to take over the case from the jurisdiction of Madras HC.

On Tuesday, a contingent of 150 police officials, escorted by a second superintendent of police from the Coimbatore Rural Police, entered the Isha Foundations ashram to conduct inquiries. This police action came a day earlier when the Madras HC requested a report listing all criminal cases filed against the Foundation.

What is the Role of the Supreme Court?

The apex court has taken over a habeas corpus petition. This petition was originally filed in Madras HC by a man, claiming that his two children are held captive within the Isha Foundation. According to ANI sources, a three-judge bench led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud reportedly said, “You can’t let the Police or Army enter a place like this.” Furthermore, the Chief Justice also prohibited the Tamil Nadu Police from taking any further action issued by the Madras HC.

CJI Chandrachud, Bar and Bench further added to the order, These are issues of religious freedom. This is a very urgent and serious case. This is about Isha Foundation, there is Sadhguru who is very revered and has lakhs of followers. The high court cannot start such inquiries on oral assertions.

The bench, also including Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, asked the two ladies via video conferencing, before making final decisions. One of the women alleged that their father had been harassing them for the past 8 years.

What Madras High Court said to Sadhgurus Isha Foundation?

The Madras High Court recently made strong statements regarding Sadhguru throughout the deliberation of the case. The lawsuit is filed by retired Coimbatore professor S. Kamaraj. He alleges that the spiritual leader of the Isha Foundation is brainwashing his two daughters, Geetha (42) and Latha (39). Kamraj also claims that the foundation prevents him from communicating with them.

The Madras HC raised questions about why Sadhguru, who had arranged his daughters marriage, encouraged other women to become hermits. Furthermore, the court also directed the Tamil Nadu government to initiate an investigation. The court also ordered to collect the information regarding all the criminal cases against Sadhguru. Following the orders, on October 1, approximately 150 police officers searched the Isha Foundations ashram in Thondamuthur, Coimbatore.

Responding to the police inquiry, Isha Foundation issued a statement. The statement stressed that the foundation was founded by Sadhguru to promote yoga and spirituality. The organization further declared, We believe that adult individuals possess the freedom and wisdom to choose their own paths. We respect people’s decisions and do not force anyone to become a monk or get married.”

The central government, with senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, came in support of the Isha Foundation, requesting an immediate hearing of the lawsuit.

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