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Synopsis

During hearing on a habeas corpus petition on September 30, 2024, filed by a father alleging that his daughters had been "brainwashed" into permanently residing at the Isha Yoga Centre, Justices S.M. Subramaniam and V. Sivagnanam of the Madras High Court questioned Jaggi Vasudev, also known as Sadhguru of the Isha Foundation.

They wondered why he encouraged young women to shave their heads, abandon worldly pursuits, and live as hermits at his yoga centers when he had married off his own daughter and ensured her stability in life.

One S. Kamaraj, a 69-year-old retired professor from the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University in Coimbatore and father of two educated daughters, aged 42 and 39, alleged that his daughters had been coerced into residing at the yoga centre. He claimed that his daughters were being given certain food and medication at the yoga center that impaired their cognitive abilities.

However, on Monday, both alleged detainees appeared before the high court, stating that they were staying at the yoga center in Vellinagiri foothills, Coimbatore, of their own free will, and had not been held against their will.

However, after a brief interaction, the judges decided to get the matter probed further. The court directed the Additional Public Prosecutor to submit a status report by October 4, detailing all cases associated with the foundation.

Advocate K. Rajendra Kumar, representing the Isha Foundation, expressed surprise at the court’s decision to further probe the case, arguing that the scope of the habeas corpus petition could not be expanded.

However, Justice S.M. Subramaniam responded that the court, operating under Article 226 of the Constitution, had the authority to ensure complete justice and that a deeper investigation was necessary to uncover the truth behind the matter.

Justice Subramaniam also raised concerns, stating that the court had certain doubts regarding the circumstances of the case. When Kumar requested clarification, Justice V. Sivagnanam explained that they were questioning why someone who had arranged his own daughter’s marriage and ensured her stability in life was encouraging others’ daughters to shave their heads and embrace the life of a hermitess.