The Supreme Court concluded the proceedings on October 18, 2024, regarding a habeas corpus petition alleging that two daughters were unlawfully confined at the Isha Foundation in Coimbatore, founded by spiritual leader Jaggi Vasudev.
Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, presiding over the Bench, confirmed that both women are adults and are residing at the ashram of their own will, free from coercion. The Court emphasized that a habeas corpus petition is intended to secure the release of individuals who are missing or held against their will.
In alignment with a prior order from October 3, the police submitted a status report related to the case. The Supreme Court deemed it unnecessary to elaborate further on the specifics of these proceedings, which originated from a habeas corpus petition initially filed in the Madras High Court.
On October 3, the top court effectively paused the police investigation into claims surrounding the alleged illegal confinement of these women at the ashram. Following the Isha Foundation’s appeal to the Supreme Court against the High Court’s directive, the Court ordered the Tamil Nadu Police to refrain from any further actions mandated by the High Court concerning the inquiry.
This ruling comes amidst public attention and ongoing discussions surrounding the activities and policies of the Isha Foundation.
Published – October 18, 2024 01:15 pm IST
