Isha Foundation case: Madras HC abstains from hearing habeas corpus petition

CHENNAI: The Madras High Court abstained from hearing a habeas corpus petition as the matter was seized by the Supreme Court, which was filed against Isha Foundation alleging it brainwashing and converting the followers as monks and alienating them from their parents.

A division bench of Justice SM Subramaniam and Justice V Sivagnanam heard the heard the habeas corpus petition (HCP) moved by S Kamaraj, retired professor and agricultural scientist, seeking the custody of his daughters Geetha alias Ma Mathi and Latha alias Ma Maayu from the captive of Isha Foundation.

The counsel for Isha submitted the letter stating that the Supreme Court stayed the order of this division bench directing the police to inquire into the allegation of the petitioner regarding the alleged captive of his daughter in the yoga center. Further, the matter was transferred to the Supreme Court, said the counsel.

After the submission, the bench recorded that since the matter was transferred to the Supreme Court and the order of this bench was stayed, “we abstain from hearing the HCP”, said the bench.

On September 30, when the HCP was listed for hearing before the bench, the petitioner alleged that there are several criminal cases pending against the Isha Foundation.

Further, he submitted that recently a criminal case under Pocso act has been registered against a doctor, from Isha, as he molested 12 girl students of Adivasi government school.

After the submission the bench asked Jaggi Vasudev, since he had got married his daughter to secure her life, why he is encouraging others' daughters to pursue ascetic life.

The bench directed the Coimbatore police to probe into the allegation and file a status report regarding the criminal cases pending against Isha.