Supreme Court Takes Over Sadhguru’s Isha Foundation Environmental Case: SC assumes control of the environmental violation case against Sadhguru’s Isha Foundation from the Madras High Court
Category: Environmental Law
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BACKGROUND
The case began when Dr. S. Kamaraj filed a habeas corpus petition in the Madras High Court, alleging that his two daughters, Geetha, 42, and Latha, 39, were being held captive at the Foundation in Coimbatore. In response to the petition, the High Court ordered the Tamil Nadu Police to investigate and file a report on all criminal cases involving the Foundation. However, the Supreme Court led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud prevented the police from acting as per the High Court’s guidelines and transferred the matter to the Supreme Court for a further hearing on the merits of the cases.
KEY ASPECTS
Supreme Court’s Order:
The Supreme Court transferred the petition to itself and a three-judge bench presided by Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud also restrained the Tamil Nadu Police from carrying out any further action in pursuance of the Madras High Court order addressing the problem of providing unrestricted access to the Tamil Nadu Police without enough judicial scrutiny.
Concerns over High Court Actions:
The bench of this High Court was criticized by the Solicitor General who represented the Centre in this case for the manner in which the case has been handled and communicated further indicating that certain oral observations in this matter could have been avoided. Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi for Isha Yoga Foundation also objected to the implied violation of other rights such as religious freedom without adequate evidence stressing that measures of such a kind should not be taken when there are only allegations.
The Daughters’ statements:
During the proceedings, the Supreme Court bench interacted with the two women, who were accused of being held against their will. They stated that they were staying at the ashram voluntarily without any coercion. They further expressed that are free to travel outside the ashram, which they have done from time to time. They also mention that their parents have also visited the ashram to meet them periodically confirming their voluntary residence at the Isha Yoga Foundation.
The Centre’s Argument:
Mukul Rohatgi defended the organisation's reputation and pointed out the fact that the allegations against the foundation were not new, as similar accusations had already been dismissed in the past when the mother of the two women had filed a similar petition. Referring to the habeas corpus petition filed by the mother, Rohatgi pointed out the father had also appeared during the hearing of the mother’s petition further reaffirming the need to dismiss the case.
CONCLUSION
By limiting the police to take any further action and communicating directly with those involved in person or through counsel either on the same platform or physically, the Supreme Court highlights the court’s cautious approach to balance the rights of the people and their freedom of religion while upholding the responsibilities that the legal forces have. Further it emphasizes the need to exercise caution when dealing with sensitive matters regarding religious institutions, and fundamental rights of individuals.
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WRITTEN BY: TEJASRI RAO
GUIDED BY: ADVOCATE ANIK
