The Supreme Court has concluded proceedings regarding allegations of illegal confinement against Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev’s Isha Foundation. The case originated from a habeas corpus petition filed by the father of two women, claiming they were being held at the ashram against their will. However, the women, aged 39 and 42, testified before the court that they were residing there voluntarily and were free to leave at any time.
During the hearing, Chief Justice DY Chandrachud criticized the Madras High Court for initiating a police investigation, stating that such proceedings should not be used to “malign people and institutions.” A police report submitted to the court supported the women’s statements, finding no evidence of illegal confinement. The report also noted that the women are educated, healthy, and maintain regular contact with their parents.
Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing the Isha Foundation, argued that the allegations were baseless and that the investigation had overreached. The Supreme Court’s intervention has halted further police actions and transferred jurisdiction from the Madras High Court to itself.
