Supreme Court Dismisses Case Against Isha Foundation

The Supreme Court of India has dismissed all legal proceedings against the Isha Foundation, led by spiritual leader Sadhguru. This decision came after a petition was filed by a father who alleged that his two daughters had been “brainwashed” into joining the ashram in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. The case against the Supreme Court Isha Foundation case gained considerable attention, raising questions about the autonomy of adult individuals in such spiritual environments.

Supreme Court Criticizes Madras High Court Ruling

Chief Justice DY Chandrachud criticized the handling of the case by the Madras High Court, calling it “completely inappropriate.” The Madras High Court had previously ordered a police inquiry into the allegations made by the father. However, the Supreme Court dismissed these proceedings, highlighting that the daughters—Geeta and Lata—were adults who had joined the ashram voluntarily. The ruling emphasized the autonomy of the women in the Supreme Court Isha Foundation case, rejecting the petition that accused the ashram of detaining them unlawfully.

Focus on Voluntary Residency at the Ashram

The Supreme Court highlighted that Geeta and Lata, aged 27 and 24 when they joined the ashram, were not minors, and hence, the habeas corpus petition was deemed inappropriate once they appeared in court. The court reiterated that the legal process had served its purpose by ensuring their safety and ascertaining their voluntary residence at the ashram. In the Supreme Court Isha Foundation case, Chief Justice Chandrachud noted that further judicial directions were unnecessary, emphasizing that legal proceedings should not be misused to tarnish the reputation of individuals or institutions.

Supreme Court Halts Police Inquiry

Earlier in the month, the Supreme Court took over the case from the Madras High Court, halting an order that required the police to investigate the father’s allegations. This intervention effectively suspended the ongoing inquiry into the Supreme Court Isha Foundation case. Following the initial directive from the Madras High Court, police had conducted raids at the Isha Foundation premises, which spurred the foundation to appeal to the Supreme Court to put a stop to the investigation. The Isha Foundation consistently denied the allegations, maintaining that the women, now aged 42 and 39, were staying at the ashram of their own accord.

Confirmation from the Women Themselves

During their appearance before the Madras High Court, both women confirmed their voluntary stay at the ashram. One of the sisters also participated in the Supreme Court proceedings through a video link, stating that she and her sister chose to live at the ashram willingly. In the Supreme Court Isha Foundation case, she further accused their father of harassing them for eight years, claiming that their mother was also complicit in this harassment. This testimony played a crucial role in influencing the court’s decision to dismiss the allegations of unlawful detention.

Defense Presented by the Isha Foundation

Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing the Isha Foundation, highlighted during the proceedings that the Tamil Nadu Police’s status report corroborated the voluntary nature of the women’s stay at the ashram. This point was significant in the Supreme Court Isha Foundation case, as it contradicted the father’s claims and supported the foundation’s stance that no illegal detention had occurred. The police report served as a key piece of evidence that ultimately influenced the Supreme Court’s decision to dismiss the case.

Court’s Advice to the Father

In its observations during the hearing, the Supreme Court also addressed the father directly. The court emphasized that he could not control the lives of his adult daughters, advising him instead to focus on building a relationship with them rather than pursuing legal avenues. The Supreme Court Isha Foundation case highlighted the importance of respecting the choices of adults, particularly when they have expressed their intentions clearly. The court’s remarks underscored the principle that legal petitions should not be used as tools for family disputes when the autonomy of individuals is evident.

Implications of the Supreme Court’s Decision

The dismissal of the Supreme Court Isha Foundation case represents a crucial moment in the legal battles involving spiritual organizations in India. The ruling underscores the court’s commitment to upholding the autonomy of adults while ensuring that legal processes are not misused to target individuals or institutions without sufficient evidence. Although this decision is specific to this case, the Supreme Court clarified that it does not prevent future actions concerning other matters related to the foundation, leaving room for new legal developments if warranted.

Conclusion: Case Dismissed, Questions Remain

The Supreme Court’s dismissal of the Supreme Court Isha Foundation case marks the end of one chapter in the legal challenges faced by the Isha Foundation. While the ruling provides relief to the foundation and confirms the voluntary choice of the women involved, it also serves as a reminder of the need for careful judicial review in cases involving personal autonomy. As the Isha Foundation moves forward, the legal and public scrutiny surrounding the case may continue to shape perceptions of spiritual institutions in India.