By The Isha Foundation, led by spiritual leader Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, faced scrutiny after 150 police officers conducted an inquiry following a Madras High Court order. The investigation was triggered by a habeas corpus petition filed by a father claiming his daughters were being held at the foundation against their will. The court has now sought a detailed report on all criminal cases associated with the foundation, raising concerns over its operations and practices.
150 Police Officers Enter Isha Foundation Following Madras High Court Order
In a significant development, 150 police officers, led by an Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) from Coimbatore, entered the Isha Foundation’s ashram in Thondamuthur on Tuesday. The inquiry followed a Madras High Court directive to investigate the allegations made by Dr. S. Kamaraj, a retired professor, who filed a habeas corpus petition. He claimed that his two daughters, Geetha Kamaraj (42) and Latha Kamaraj (39), were being held captive at the foundation. The operation, which included three Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), focused on verifying the well-being of the residents and investigating potential criminal cases against the foundation.
Habeas Corpus Petition and Allegations Against Isha Foundation
The court’s order came after Dr. Kamaraj approached the judiciary, alleging that the Isha Foundation was involved in brainwashing individuals, coercing them into becoming monks, and restricting their contact with their families. According to Dr. Kamaraj, his daughters, who had been living at the foundation, were influenced to shave their heads and renounce worldly life. He expressed concerns that they were being kept away from their family under the influence of the foundation’s teachings.
Dr. Kamaraj further alleged that the foundation, led by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, was converting individuals into monks and exerting control over their lives. The court, led by Justices S.M. Subramaniam and V. Sivagnanam, raised questions regarding the apparent contradictions in Sadhguru’s teachings, noting that while he promoted renunciation at his ashram, his own daughter was married and well-settled.
Madras High Court Seeks Report on Criminal Cases
The Madras High Court has ordered the Coimbatore Rural Police to conduct a thorough inquiry and submit a report on all criminal cases registered against the Isha Foundation. This move signals the court’s concern over the foundation’s operations and practices, as it seeks clarity on the allegations of coercion and control.
The court’s inquiry is expected to address several key questions, including the number of individuals currently residing at the ashram, their backgrounds, and the extent of their voluntary participation in the foundation’s activities. This investigation could have far-reaching implications for the Isha Foundation, which has garnered both praise and criticism for its spiritual teachings.
Isha Foundation’s Response to the Police Inquiry
In response to the police inquiry, the Isha Yoga Centre issued a statement downplaying the event. They described the visit as a “general inquiry” conducted as per the court’s order. According to the foundation, the police were engaging with residents and volunteers to understand their lifestyle, how they arrived at the ashram, and how long they intended to stay.
The foundation has maintained that its activities are transparent and voluntary, asserting that individuals come to the ashram of their own free will to participate in spiritual practices. The Isha Foundation emphasized that the inquiry was routine and not related to any specific criminal activities.
Focus on Allegations and Public Perception
This police inquiry has once again brought the Isha Foundation into the public spotlight. While the foundation is celebrated by its followers for promoting inner well-being and mindfulness, it has faced criticism over the years for its practices. Allegations of brainwashing, coercion, and isolating individuals from their families have surfaced periodically, though the foundation has consistently denied these claims.
The concerns raised by the Madras High Court about contradictions in Sadhguru’s life—specifically his encouragement of young women to become monks while his daughter leads a different life—have added to the scrutiny. This inquiry could potentially shift public perception of the foundation, especially if the court finds evidence supporting the allegations made by Dr. Kamaraj.
Future Implications for Isha Foundation
As the inquiry continues and the court awaits the police report, the future of the Isha Foundation hangs in the balance. While Sadhguru remains a popular figure with millions of followers around the world, the outcome of this investigation could have serious consequences for the organization’s credibility and operations.
The Madras High Court’s decision to order an inquiry reflects the judiciary’s commitment to protecting individual rights, particularly in cases where religious or spiritual organizations are involved. The results of the police investigation will likely play a critical role in determining whether the foundation’s practices are in line with the law.
The police inquiry into the Isha Foundation, initiated by the Madras High Court, has raised significant questions about the foundation’s practices and Sadhguru’s teachings. As the investigation proceeds, both supporters and critics of the foundation are awaiting the court’s findings, which could have a profound impact on its operations.
