Chennai: Following a report sought by the Madras High Court, police inspected the Isha Foundation in Coimbatore, led by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev. The court has demanded clarification on all registered criminal cases against the foundation. A police team consisting of 150 officers, led by an additional superintendent, is conducting the inspection. This action was prompted by a complaint from a resident claiming that his daughters were living as bonded laborers in the yoga center. The inspection is taking place at the Isha Foundation in Thondamuthur, Coimbatore. Three DSPs are also involved in the investigation. A senior police official stated that they would record the statements of the residents and conduct searches within the ashram’s rooms.
The High Court issued the order in response to a habeas corpus petition filed by former professor Dr. S. Kamaraj, who pointed out that his daughters, Geetha Kamaraj (42) and Latha Kamaraj (39), were living as bonded laborers at the yoga center. The Coimbatore Rural Police have been directed to investigate the matter and submit a report.
The petitioner alleged in the petition that the daughters were being held at the Isha Foundation and that the organization brainwashed individuals to become ascetics, severing ties with their families.
Meanwhile, the court questioned Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, the founder and spiritual leader of the Isha Foundation, as to why he insists that other young women renounce worldly life while his own daughter is living a married life. Justices S.M. Subramaniam and V. Shivajnanam also inquired about the rationale behind encouraging other young women to shave their heads and abandon secular life.
The young women argue that they are living at the organization’s yoga center of their own volition. The court asked them what kind of spirituality it is to abandon their parents. The court called for a thorough investigation into the matter, emphasizing the application of Article 226 to ensure complete justice.
The petition filed by the father detailed the professional achievements of his daughters before joining the foundation. The court pointed out the disagreement between the daughters and their parents. “The daughters claim to be on a spiritual path. Don’t they think it is sinful to disregard their parents?” Justice Subramaniam remarked. He stated that the essence of devotion is to “love everyone and harbor no hatred.” However, he noted that the daughters display evident animosity towards their parents, to the point of not even speaking to them respectfully.
