Supreme Court Dismisses Habeas Corpus Petition Over Daughters’ Stay at Isha Yoga Centre

Reading Time: 4mins

The Supreme Court of India, brought an end to a habeas corpus petition filed by a father who claimed his two daughters were being held against their will and brainwashed at the Isha Yoga Centre, run by spiritual leader Jaggi Vasudev. The case was disposed of after the daughters, aged 39 and 42, clarified in court that they were residing voluntarily at the centre and were free to leave at any time.

The bench, which included Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, along with Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, closed the case after considering the women’s statements, noting that both were legally adults. The court ruled that no further directives were required.

“Since both of them are adults and the purpose of habeas corpus was fulfilled, no further directions were needed from the High Court,” said the apex court in its decision.

Previously, the Supreme Court had taken over the petition from the Madras High Court, which had initially issued an order directing the Tamil Nadu police to investigate the Isha Yoga Centre in connection with the allegations. The top court had also restrained the police from taking any further action against the centre.

During the final hearing, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Isha Foundation, voiced his objections to the High Court’s decision to order an inquiry rather than closing the habeas corpus petition. Rohatgi argued that since the petition’s purpose had been served, the court should have concluded the matter.

On behalf of the state of Tamil Nadu, senior advocate Siddharth Luthra informed the court that the police had discovered certain regulatory violations during their visit to the centre. He noted the absence of an internal complaints committee at the institution, which is a mandatory compliance in organizations where women and children reside.

Chief Justice Chandrachud echoed this sentiment, observing that the presence of women and minors necessitated such a committee. He emphasized that the court’s intention was not to malign the Isha Foundation but to ensure that required legal protocols were followed.

In its final ruling, the Supreme Court clarified that the dismissal of the habeas corpus petition would not impede any ongoing or future regulatory compliance checks at the Isha Yoga Centre. Rohatgi, representing the foundation, assured the bench that any compliance requirements would be met.

The court also addressed the father’s counsel, reiterating that once children have reached adulthood, parents cannot interfere in their personal choices.

The Madras High Court, which had initially presided over the case, had previously expressed concern over serious allegations made against the Isha Foundation and requested details of criminal cases, if any, associated with the centre. However, the daughters maintained that they had been residing at the ashram voluntarily since 2009 and had remained in contact with their family.

The petition was originally filed by S. Kamaraj, a retired professor from Coimbatore, who alleged that his daughters had been brainwashed by the Isha Yoga Centre and were being kept away from family contact. The foundation has firmly denied these claims.