The case involves accusations that the Isha Yoga Centre in Coimbatore, led by Sadhguru, was holding two women against their will, a claim brought forth by their father. The women, aged 42 and 39, had already appeared before the Madras High Court and clarified that they were residing at the Ashram voluntarily. Despite this, the High Court had directed a thorough investigation into criminal allegations, including a case under the POCSO Act against a doctor affiliated with the institution.
During an urgent hearing, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing the Isha Foundation, argued that the High Court had overreached by ordering further police action after the women affirmed their choice to stay at the Ashram. The Supreme Court, in response, halted any additional steps by the Tamil Nadu police, indicating that the High Court’s directions were unnecessary after the petitioners had stated their positions clearly.
The inquiry, which involved a police team of approximately 150 officers visiting the Ashram, was described as disproportionate by Rohatgi, considering that over 5,000 individuals live there. He emphasized that such an extensive police presence was unwarranted in a religious institution of this nature.
Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, along with Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, presided over the case. The bench expressed reservations about the scale of the police action and noted that the women could engage directly with the Supreme Court if needed. This matter is set for further hearings on October 18, 2024.
The habeas corpus petition, originally filed eight years ago by the women’s mother, was dismissed after the women confirmed their voluntary stay. However, the father’s new petition rekindled legal scrutiny of the Isha Foundation, raising broader concerns about the institution's governance and its handling of residents.