The Supreme Court of India has dismissed proceedings against Isha Foundation in a case filed by the parents of two monks, aged 39 and 42, who reside at the foundation’s ashram.
The court confirmed that the monks are staying voluntarily and are free to leave whenever they choose.
The parents had initially sought a police investigation into the ashram's conditions. However, the Supreme Court set aside the Madras High Court’s order for a police probe, suggesting that legal proceedings should not be used to defame organisations.
The court noted what it believed were “ulterior motives” behind the case, emphasising that the monks, being adults, have the right to make their own decisions.
The Solicitor General, representing Isha Foundation, argued that the request for police intervention was being used as clickbait and had hidden motives.
The apex court, however, closed the case while making it clear that this decision would not prevent the Tamil Nadu government from ensuring regulatory compliance at the foundation.
The Tamil Nadu Police had earlier reported that the monks were indeed voluntarily staying but highlighted some regulatory issues. Among their concerns was the absence of an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) to address cases of sexual harassment, as required by Indian law. Isha Foundation denied this, stating that an ICC had been established in accordance with regulations.
While closing the parents’ case, the SC stressed that compliance with regulations is essential, especially when vulnerable groups like women and minors are involved.
The court highlighted the need for an ICC, noting that it is a mandatory secular requirement.
Earlier, Tamil Nadu Police in its counter petition in the Supreme Court against the Isha foundation of Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev has said that many people who went missing from the foundation are untraceable.
The counter affidavit also said that the hospital inside Isha Foundation was issuing medicines that had crossed expiry dates to the inmates.
The report filed by K Karthikeyan, Superintendent of Police, Coimbatore district in Tamil Nadu, says that a total of six missing cases were registered in the jurisdictional Alandurai Police Station with respect to the Isha Foundation in 15 years.
Out of the six, five cases were closed as no further action was taken.
One case is still under investigation as person is still missing.
Additionally, seven cases were registered under Section 174 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. Out of which, two cases are under being probed.
Follow us
