Supreme Court Closes Case on Daughters Allegedly Held at Isha Yoga Centre
The Supreme Court of India has concluded a case involving a father’s claim that his two adult daughters were being held against their will at the Isha Yoga Centre, led by spiritual guru Jaggi Vasudev. The daughters, aged 39 and 42, confirmed they were staying at the ashram voluntarily. The court, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, decided no further action was needed as the women were free to leave.
Previously, the case was transferred from the Madras High Court, which had ordered an investigation into the ashram. The Supreme Court halted any further police action against the Isha Yoga Centre. During the hearing, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing the Isha Foundation, objected to the High Court’s directives for police involvement. Meanwhile, senior advocate Siddharth Luthra, representing Tamil Nadu, noted regulatory non-compliances at the center, including the absence of an internal complaint committee.
The Chief Justice emphasized the importance of such committees, especially in institutions with women and minors. The court clarified that closing the case does not exempt the Isha Foundation from meeting regulatory requirements. The daughters’ father, S Kamaraj, had initially filed the petition, alleging his daughters were brainwashed and isolated from their family. The Isha Foundation has denied these allegations.
Doubts Revealed
Supreme Court -: The Supreme Court is the highest court in India. It makes important decisions on legal cases and ensures that laws are followed correctly.
Isha Yoga Centre -: Isha Yoga Centre is a place where people go to learn and practice yoga and meditation. It is run by the Isha Foundation, which is an organization that promotes yoga and spiritual well-being.
Chief Justice DY Chandrachud -: Chief Justice DY Chandrachud is a senior judge who leads the Supreme Court of India. He is responsible for making important legal decisions and guiding the court.
Madras High Court -: The Madras High Court is a high court in India located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It handles legal cases from the state of Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory of Puducherry.
Mukul Rohatgi -: Mukul Rohatgi is a well-known lawyer in India. He represented the Isha Foundation in this case, defending them against the allegations.
Internal complaint committee -: An internal complaint committee is a group within an organization that handles complaints, especially related to workplace issues. It ensures that any problems are addressed fairly and according to rules.
