Police Visit Isha Foundation Amid Controversy
On October 1, 2024, a team of 150 police officers visited the Isha Foundation’s ashram in Coimbatore, following an order from the Madras High Court.
The court directed the Tamil Nadu government to submit a report on all criminal cases registered against the foundation, after a habeas corpus petition was filed by Dr. S. Kamaraj. He alleged that his daughters, Geetha and Latha, were being held at the centre against their will.
Allegations and Police Investigation
Dr. Kamaraj, a retired professor, claimed that his daughters had been brainwashed into staying at the ashram, cutting ties with their family, and embracing a monastic life.
His petition also referenced a past criminal case against a doctor at the Isha Foundation under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, alleging that the doctor had molested 12 girls at a government school.
The police team, led by an assistant superintendent of police and three deputy superintendents, conducted a general inquiry into the foundation’s residents, examining the living conditions and lifestyle of those staying at the centre.
Isha Foundation’s Response
The Isha Foundation denied all allegations, stating that people who come to the ashram do so voluntarily and are free to leave at any time. The foundation emphasized that it does not pressure anyone into monkhood or any particular way of life, asserting that its goal is to teach yoga and spirituality.
The two women at the centre of the controversy appeared before the Supreme Court, stating that they were staying at the ashram of their own free will. The Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, interacted with the women, who reiterated their choice to live at the foundation.
High Court and Supreme Court Involvement
The Madras High Court raised concerns over apparent contradictions between Jaggi Vasudev’s personal life and the lifestyle he promotes. The court questioned why Sadhguru’s daughter was married and settled while he encouraged young women to renounce worldly pursuits. The court also expressed concern over the strained relationship between Kamaraj and his daughters, questioning the spiritual teachings that seem to cause such familial tension.
After hearing the case, the Supreme Court decided to transfer the matter to itself, halting further police action based on the Madras High Court’s earlier orders.
Criticism of Sadhguru’s Teachings
While the Isha Foundation maintains its mission of promoting yoga and spirituality, the criticism against Sadhguru is growing. His teachings appear contradictory, as the court pointed out, with his own daughter leading a traditional life while he encourages others to forsake worldly ties. The concerns about brainwashing and strained family relationships raise questions about the ethics of his spiritual practices. Additionally, the past criminal allegations linked to the foundation further tarnish its reputation, suggesting that Sadhguru’s institution might not be as blemishless as it claims.
This case has opened a debate on the fine line between spiritual guidance and coercive control, and how much autonomy institutions like Isha Foundation truly allow their followers.
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