Daijiworld Media Network 

Chennai, Oct 1: In a significant operation, 150 police officers, led by an Additional Superintendent, searched the Isha Foundation's ashram in Thondamuthur on Tuesday, October 1. This action follows a Madras High Court order requesting an investigation into allegations that two sisters were being held against their will.

The search, which included three deputy superintendents of police, focused on verifying the identities of inmates and inspecting rooms. In response, the Isha Yoga Centre stated, “As per the court order, the police are inquiring with residents and volunteers... understanding how they come in and stay.”

The court's directive arose from a habeas corpus petition filed by Dr S Kamaraj, who claimed that his daughters, Geetha (42) and Latha (39), were being brainwashed and prevented from contacting their family. Kamaraj stated, “The foundation is abusing certain persons... converting them as monks and not even allowing parents to meet them.”

During the proceedings, Justices S M Subramaniam and V Sivagnanam questioned the foundation’s practices. “Why is Sadhguru, who married off his own daughter, encouraging others to renounce worldly life?” Justice Sivagnanam asked.

Despite the sisters asserting their stay was voluntary, Kamaraj alleged that the foundation administered substances that impaired their judgment. He also referenced a POCSO case involving a doctor at the foundation, raising further concerns.

The Isha Foundation's counsel, K Rajendra Kumar, argued, “Adults have the right to make their own choices... The court's inquiry into personal decisions is unnecessary.”

The court has instructed the Additional Public Prosecutor to submit a detailed report on any criminal cases against the foundation by October 4.

The Isha Foundation maintained, “We do not ask people to get married or take up monkhood; these are individual choices,” while emphasising that the sisters’ presence at the centre was voluntary.