SC Transfers to Itself the Petition Against Spiritual Leader Sadhguru’s Isha Yoga Centre and Restraints the Tamil Nadu Police From Conducting Enquiry

On October 03, 2024 (Today), the Supreme Court (SC) bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, Justice Manoj Misra, and Justice JB Pardiwala restrained the Tamil Nadu Police from conducting any further enquiry against the Isha Yoga Centre, run by Spiritual leader Sadhguru, pursuant to Madras High Court’s (HC’s) direction. The bench further transferred the habeas corpus petition from the Madras HC to the Supreme Court. The order was passed after an urgent hearing request made by Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the Isha Foundation. The SC ordered, “Police shall not take any further action in pursuance of directions in paragraph 4 of the High Court's order.” Para 4 of the HC’s order said, “With reference to the said allegations, Coimbatore Rural Police having jurisidiction shall conduct an enquiry and file a status report before this Court.” 

Furthermore, the order reads, “The Court has interacted with both the individuals. During the interaction, the individuals stated that both individuals joined ashram at the age of 24 and 27. We interacted with both of them and they say they are staying voluntarily and that they are free to travel outside the ashram.” The SC also ordered that “Let the original petitioner appear on virtual platform or through his counsel” and the status report of the police should be submitted to the Supreme Court. The bench listed the matter for the next hearing on October 18, 2024.