Sadhguru Isha Foundation Responds to Allegations of Forcing Women Into Hermitage: What’s the Real Story?
A major controversy has erupted surrounding Sadhguru’s Isha Foundation following a police operation at its ashram in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, ordered by the Madras High Court. This action was prompted by allegations made in a habeas corpus petition filed by Dr. S. Kamaraj, a retired professor, who claimed that his two daughters were being held against their will and subjected to brainwashing at the foundation.
Background of the Allegations
On October 1, 2024, a police team comprising 150 officers conducted a search at the Isha Foundation’s ashram. This operation was initiated after the Madras High Court requested a report on all criminal cases against the institution. Dr. Kamaraj alleged that his daughters, Geetha (42) and Latha Kamaraj (39), were coerced into living at the Isha Yoga Center and had been cut off from family contact. The petition highlighted concerns regarding the foundation’s practices, suggesting that it was converting individuals into monks and isolating them from their families under the guise of spiritual training.
The court proceedings revealed conflicting testimonies. While Dr. Kamaraj asserted that his daughters were being held captive, both women appeared in court and stated that they were residing at the ashram voluntarily, denying any coercion. The judges noted this contradiction, questioning why Sadhguru, who had successfully married off his own daughter, would encourage other young women to renounce worldly life.
Police Operations and Court Responses
The police operation involved thorough inspections of the ashram’s premises and interviews with residents and volunteers to ascertain their living conditions and freedoms. The team included three deputy superintendents of police (DSPs) and aimed to understand the lifestyle of those living at the center.
In response to these developments, Isha Foundation released a statement clarifying that it does not force individuals into monkhood or any other lifestyle choice. They emphasized that many individuals choose to stay at the ashram voluntarily and can leave whenever they wish. The foundation reiterated its commitment to individual freedom in spiritual pursuits, stating that all allegations of coercion are unfounded.
Isha Foundation says, “Isha Foundation was founded by Sadhguru to impart yoga and spirituality to people. We believe that adult individual human beings have the freedom and the wisdom to choose their path. We do not ask people to get married or take up monkhood as these are… pic.twitter.com/nb5fTsIaGX
— ANI (@ANI) October 2, 2024
Legal Proceedings and Future Implications
The Madras High Court has mandated that the Tamil Nadu government provide a detailed report on any outstanding criminal cases involving the Isha Foundation by October 4. This includes addressing previous allegations against affiliated individuals, such as a doctor accused under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for molesting young girls at a local school.
As this case unfolds, it raises significant questions about the practices within spiritual organizations in India and their treatment of individuals seeking spiritual paths. The court’s skepticism towards both Dr. Kamaraj’s claims and Sadhguru’s teachings reflects broader societal concerns regarding autonomy and coercion in spiritual communities.
