Supreme Court Intervenes in Jaggi Vasudev's Isha Foundation Controversy

The Supreme Court has effectively paused the police investigation into the alleged illegal confinement of two women at the Isha Foundation ashram in Coimbatore. The petition, brought by a father claiming illegal detention of his daughters, highlights concerns over coercion within spiritual establishments.

The Supreme Court has intervened in a high-profile case concerning the Isha Foundation, led by spiritual leader Jaggi Vasudev, amid allegations of illegal confinement. The Court has halted further police investigation into the claims that two women were held against their will at the Coimbatore ashram.

A bench led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud has moved a habeas corpus petition, originally presented to the Madras High Court, to itself, directing Tamil Nadu police to refrain from further action until a status report is submitted. The women, both in their 40s, claim they reside at the ashram by choice.

The top court's decision follows a petition from the women's father, accusing the Foundation of detaining his daughters. The women, however, have consistently stated their residency at the ashram is voluntary, a point reiterated during in-camera interactions with the judiciary.

(With inputs from agencies.)