While closing the matter, Chief Justice DY Chandrachud pulled up the Madras High Court over its orders for a police inquiry, and said proceedings cannot be used to malign people and institutions.
The Supreme Court on Friday closed proceedings in a case of alleged illegal confinement against Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev’s Isha Foundation after statements from two women who said they were voluntarily living at the organisation’s ashram without coercion.
Read More:- Law On Prevention Of Child Marriages Can’t Be Stunted By Personal Laws: SC
A bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud also pulled up the Madras High Court over its orders for a police investigation on a habeas corpus (produce the body) petition filed by the parents of the women. “These proceedings cannot be to malign people and malign institutions,”the Chief Justice remarked during the hearing.
The petition alleged that the two women, aged 39 and 42, were being held against their will and were “brainwashed” at the Isha Foundation’s ashram in Coimbatore. The Madras High Court called for a police inquiry and questioned the women, which led to the current Supreme Court review. Despite their statements confirming they were free to leave, the case lingered in the courts.
The Tamil Nadu Police also raised broader concerns about the Isha Foundation. In a counter-petition, the police highlighted missing persons cases linked to the foundation. According to Coimbatore Superintendent of Police K Karthikeyan, six missing persons cases have been registered at the Alandurai Police Station over the past 15 years, with five cases closed and one still under investigation.
During the hearing on Friday, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Isha Foundation, informed the top court that the women had voluntarily joined the ashram when they were 24 and 27 years old and that the claims of illegal confinement were unfounded.
Read More: Delhi Chokes As AQI Deteriorates, Residents Struggle To Breathe
“The women even participated in public events, like a 10 km marathon, and are in regular contact with their parents,” Rohatgi said.
After a virtual interaction with the two women, Chief Justice Chandrachud said the court had spoken to both women and recorded their statements. He stated that the case should have been dropped after both women testified that they were living at the ashram of their own free will.
“We have spoken to both individuals, who have clearly expressed their voluntary stay at the Isha Foundation. Once that is established, no further direction is needed in this habeas corpus case,” he said.
The top court also told the women’s father that he would have to win their confidence. “You can see writing on the wall,” the Chief Justice said.
The Supreme Court also clarified that its ruling only pertained to the habeas corpus petition and that it would not interfere with any ongoing police investigations, which the state is free to pursue.
The Chief Justice said that when women and minors are involved, an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) is necessary. He directed Rohatgi to impress upon Isha Foundation the need to comply with these requirements. He also suggested that the state should get in touch with the organisation to ensure compliance.
