This case revolves around a habeas corpus petition filed by Dr S Kamaraj, who alleged that his two daughters were being held against their will at the Isha Yoga Center in Coimbatore, run by Sadhguru (Jaggi Vasudev).
A team of 150 police officers conducted a search operation at the Isha Foundation’s ashram in Thondamuthur, Coimbatore, on Tuesday, October 1, following a Madras High Court directive that sought a report on all criminal cases registered against the foundation.
Reports claim the operation, led by an assistant deputy superintendent of police and comprising three deputy superintendents, focused on verifying the whereabouts and well-being of the foundation's residents and inspecting the premises
He claimed that the foundation was brainwashing individuals, including his daughters, and compelling them to become monks, severing ties with their families.
The daughters, however, denied these allegations, stating in court that they were at the center voluntarily.
The court, while skeptical, raised questions about Sadhguru’s lifestyle and practices, particularly contrasting his family life with the encouragement for others to renounce worldly life.
Dr Kamaraj’s petition also mentioned alleged malpractice at the foundation, including a POCSO case against a doctor working there.
While the court emphasised its impartiality, it questioned the apparent alienation between the daughters and their parents, which the daughters displayed during the proceedings.
The Isha Foundation defended its position, arguing that the women were acting out of their own free will, and that the foundation does not force anyone into monkhood.
The court has directed a status report, expected by October 4, to assess if there are any pending criminal cases against the foundation.
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