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Supreme Court Dismisses Plea Against Isha Yoga Centre
The Supreme Court of India has dismissed a petition filed against Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev’s Isha Foundation, which claimed that two women were being held captive and brainwashed at the Isha Yoga Centre.
The court, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, concluded that the women, aged 39 and 42, had voluntarily chosen to reside at the ashram and were free to leave, thereby fulfilling the purpose of the habeas corpus plea.
Voluntary Stay at Isha Yoga Centre Confirmed
The apex court, which also included Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, took into account the statements made by the two women, who confirmed their decision to stay at the ashram was voluntary. As both women are adults, the bench ruled that no further directions were required from the High Court.
Chief Justice Chandrachud emphasized, “These proceedings cannot be to malign people and malign institutions,” as the court concluded the hearing.
Internal Compliance and Regulatory Observations
While dismissing the case, the Supreme Court clarified that the closure of the habeas corpus proceedings does not exempt the Isha Yoga Centre from fulfilling any regulatory requirements. The court further noted that organizations, particularly those with women and minors, must have an internal complaints committee in place to ensure safety and compliance with legal obligations.
The petition, which had drawn attention to the practices at the Isha Yoga Centre, was disposed of with no adverse findings, and the court reinforced that the purpose of legal proceedings should not be to tarnish reputations without cause.
This ruling brings closure to the case, while also highlighting the need for continued regulatory oversight for institutions to ensure compliance with all legal norms.
