Supreme Court Reviews Sexual Harassment Law Compliance at Isha Foundation
An application has been filed in the Supreme Court of India seeking strict enforcement of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act in religious institutions. The OBC Mahasabha and others submitted this application, focusing on allegations against the Isha Foundation, a spiritual organization led by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev. S. Kamaraj, a retired professor, claimed his daughters were influenced by the spiritual leader.
The application, filed by advocate Varun Thakur, argues that the Isha Foundation is not adhering to the 2013 Act, which mandates protection against sexual harassment at workplaces. It highlights a recent case under the POCSO Act involving a doctor at the foundation accused of molesting 12 girls. The petition stresses the need for law enforcement in religious settings to prevent such incidents.
The Supreme Court had previously restrained Tamil Nadu police from further action against the Isha Foundation, following a plea from the foundation. The court transferred a habeas corpus petition to itself, which involved allegations of Kamaraj’s daughters being held at the Isha Yoga Centre. The daughters stated they were there voluntarily, but the High Court had requested details of criminal cases against the institution.
The application urges the court to ensure the 2013 Act is enforced across all religious institutions, regardless of faith.
Doubts Revealed
Supreme Court -: The Supreme Court is the highest court in India. It makes important decisions on legal issues and ensures laws are followed.
Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act -: This is a law in India made in 2013 to protect women from being harassed at their workplace. It ensures a safe and respectful environment for women to work in.
Isha Foundation -: Isha Foundation is a non-profit organization in India, founded by Sadhguru. It focuses on yoga, spirituality, and social outreach programs.
POCSO -: POCSO stands for Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. It is a law in India to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation.
Non-compliance -: Non-compliance means not following the rules or laws that are set. In this context, it means not following the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act.
Religious institutions -: These are places or organizations related to religious activities, like temples, churches, or spiritual centers. They often have their own rules and practices.
Restrained -: Restrained means to stop or limit something. Here, it means the Supreme Court has stopped the Tamil Nadu police from taking further action against the Isha Foundation for now.