TNFChennai/ TNF
On October 1, following directives from the Madras High Court, a team of 150 police officers conducted a search at the Isha Foundation ashram in Thondamuthur, Coimbatore. This investigation was prompted by allegations against the foundation related to the custody of two women, who are the daughters of a retired professor, Dr. S. Kamaraj. The court ordered an investigation into all criminal cases registered against the Isha Foundation and requested a report from the local police.
Allegations of Forced Custody
Dr. Kamaraj filed a habeas corpus petition claiming that his two daughters, 42-year-old Geeta Kamaraj and 39-year-old Lata Kamaraj, were being held against their will by the Isha Foundation. The retired professor alleged that the organization brainwashed his daughters and forced them to adopt a monastic lifestyle, severing their ties with family and friends.
During the hearing, Justices S.M. Subramaniam and V. Shivaganam expressed concern about the contradictions between the personal life of Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, the founder of Isha Foundation, and his advocacy for a spiritual lifestyle among young women. The court questioned why Vasudev, who arranged a traditional marriage for his daughter, would encourage others to abandon worldly life and live as ascetics.
Professional Achievements of the Daughters
Before their association with the Isha Foundation, both daughters had impressive careers. Geeta was a postgraduate in Mechatronics from a prestigious UK university and had a well-paying job before her divorce in 2008. After her marriage ended, she began attending yoga classes at the Isha Foundation, leading her younger sister Lata, a software engineer, to join her.
Dr. Kamaraj claimed that the foundation provided the sisters with food and medication that impaired their ability to think clearly, making it difficult for them to maintain connections with their family. He also referenced a criminal case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act involving a doctor linked to the foundation, who faced allegations of molesting 12 girls at a government school.
The Daughters Deny the Allegations
When presented in court, both daughters refuted their father’s claims, stating they were living at the foundation of their own free will. They insisted that they were not being held against their will. Despite their assertions, Justice Shivaganam remained skeptical, questioning how a man who had successfully married off his daughter could encourage others to become ascetics.
The Isha Foundation’s lawyer, K. Rajendran Kumar, defended the organization, asserting that adults have the right to make their own life choices, including the decision to pursue a spiritual path. He argued that the court should not intervene in the personal decisions made by the sisters.
Concerns About Family Relationships
The justices expressed concern about the strained relationships between the sisters and their parents. Justice Subramaniam pointed out the hypocrisy in claiming a path of spirituality while neglecting one’s parents. He reminded the sisters that the principle of devotion is rooted in love and respect for one’s family, implying that disregarding their parents was contrary to their spiritual claims.
Dr. Kamaraj’s lawyer, M. Purushottaman, highlighted a broader pattern of misconduct linked to the Isha Foundation, referencing previous criminal cases involving the organization. The court instructed the additional public prosecutor, E. Raj Tilak, to submit a status report by October 4, detailing all pending criminal cases against the foundation.
The Broader Implications
The investigation into the Isha Foundation raises significant questions about the rights of individuals within spiritual organizations and the responsibilities these organizations hold towards the families of their members. As more cases of alleged brainwashing and coercion surface, it becomes imperative to ensure that personal freedoms are respected while maintaining the integrity of spiritual teachings.
As this case unfolds, the court’s decision will not only affect the Kamaraj family but also set a precedent for how spiritual organizations operate within legal frameworks in India. The balance between spiritual pursuits and familial responsibilities remains a contentious issue, and this case could illuminate the challenges faced by families when loved ones become deeply involved in such organizations.
As the investigation continues, the families affected and the public at large will be watching closely to see how the judiciary addresses these complex issues. The outcome could significantly impact the perception and operations of spiritual organizations like the Isha Foundation in India.
