Between 2015 and 2026, Sadhguru and the Isha Foundation have repeatedly found themselves at the centre of viral controversies, legal complaints and online allegations. Many of these claims gained rapid traction across social media and digital platforms before being tested through court proceedings, police inquiries or official clarifications.
In this report, we look at 15 incidents between 2015 and 2026 in which false claims, misleading content and negative narratives were circulated against Sadhguru and the Isha Foundation.
#1 YouTuber Shyam Meera Singh & Communist Mathur Sathya Peddle False Claims on Isha Video – February 2026
A fresh social media controversy erupted on 17 February 2026 after YouTuber Shyam Meera Singh alleged that the Isha Foundation had shared visuals of “half-naked minor girls.” The claim quickly went viral. The Isha Foundation rejected the charge as misinformation, stating the video showed boys aged 10–18 from its male-only Samskriti Gurukulam performing a supervised ritual dip at the men-only Suryakund. Singh later deleted his post, citing confusion due to the children’s long hair. CPI member Mathur Sathya also amplified the allegation, but despite the foundation’s clarification, his video continues to remain on his handle.
#2 Delhi HC Orders Google to Act Against Fake Arrest Ads – 21 October 2025
The Delhi High Court directed Google to implement technology-based safeguards to curb fake advertisements falsely claiming that Sadhguru had been arrested. The court noted that AI-generated and doctored ads promoting fraudulent investment schemes were circulating online using his image. Observing the potential for public deception and reputational harm, the court instructed the platform to proactively prevent such misuse. The order came amid growing concerns over deepfake-driven financial scams targeting public figures.
#3 Delhi HC Orders Removal of “Sadhguru Exposed” Video – 9 May 2025
The Delhi High Court ordered the removal of a video uploaded by YouTuber Shyam Meera Singh titled “Sadhguru EXPOSED: What’s happening in Jaggi Vasudev’s Ashram?” The Isha Foundation had filed a defamation suit alleging the video contained unverified and damaging claims. The court found the content to be prima facie defamatory and noted its clickbait character and potential to harm the organisation’s reputation. It directed takedown of the material pending further proceedings. The case highlighted judicial concern over allegedly misleading digital content targeting religious and spiritual organisations.
#4 Isha Files Defamation Suit Against Nakkheeran – 3 December 2024
The Isha Foundation moved the Delhi High Court against Tamil media outlet Nakkheeran over videos and reports alleging misconduct, exploitation and coercion at the organisation. The foundation argued the content was defamatory and continued despite earlier court observations in which individuals linked to the controversy stated they were residing at the Isha Yoga Centre voluntarily. The suit sought removal of the material and damages for reputational harm.
#5 Edited Kailash Mansarovar Clip Sparks Controversy – 25 October 2024
A video clip from a Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage involving Sadhguru was circulated online implying inappropriate conduct during an interaction with a participant. According to the Isha Foundation, the footage was selectively edited from a longer public video showing hundreds of devotees present. The foundation stated that removal of context created a misleading narrative about the event. Supporters argued that the viral clip distorted the nature of a routine spiritual process.
#6 Isha Flags Wave of Misleading Headlines – 19 October 2024
The Isha Foundation issued a public clarification addressing what it described as multiple misleading headlines and social media posts alleging wrongdoing by the organisation and Sadhguru. In an official article, the foundation stated that several claims circulating online were either unverified or entirely fabricated. It urged readers to rely on authenticated sources and warned that distorted narratives were fuelling unwarranted speculation.
#7 Supreme Court Closes Confinement Allegation Case – 3 October 2024
The Supreme Court closed proceedings in a habeas corpus case alleging that two adult women were being confined at the Isha Foundation ashram in Coimbatore. After interacting with the women, the court recorded that they were residing at the ashram voluntarily. Tamil Nadu Police also reported no evidence of illegal confinement. The case had earlier prompted a Madras High Court-ordered inquiry before being transferred. With no coercion established, the Supreme Court terminated further action, bringing judicial closure to one of the more widely circulated allegations against the foundation.
#8 Viral Email on Minor Girls Termed Fabricated – October 2024
A purported email alleging inappropriate practices involving minor girls at the Isha Yoga Center during Brahmacharya initiation triggered online controversy. Responses cited by supporters and former participants pointed out factual inaccuracies in the claims, including incorrect descriptions of rituals and facilities. Parents and former students publicly rejected the allegations. The Isha Foundation termed the email fabricated and initiated defamation proceedings.
#9 TNM & Nakkheeran Make Fake Claims On Isha Crematorium Row – June 2024
The News Minute (TNM) reported that an FIR was filed against the Isha Yoga Foundation following a complaint by Thanthai Periyar Dravida Kazhagam (TPDK) activists, who alleged they were attacked during a visit to a crematorium site at Boluvampatti. However, the visit was reportedly made without official permission, despite a court order restricting access to the construction area. The Isha Yoga Centre has maintained the electric crematorium was built following requests from nearby Scheduled Tribe villages lacking facilities. Subsequently, the Madras High Court restrained police from closing the case and sought action against TPDK members, casting doubt on the initial allegations.
#10 ‘Missing Volunteers’ Claim Against Isha Falls Flat – April 2024
Allegations about mysteriously missing volunteers at the Isha Yoga Centre were addressed after Tamil Nadu Police told the Madras High Court on 18 April 2024 that no wrongdoing by the foundation was found. During habeas corpus proceedings filed by C. Thirumalai regarding his brother C. Ganesan, police said 36 persons were questioned and most reported “missing” volunteers had returned after leaving for personal reasons. The court, noting the petitioner’s absence, warned the case could be dismissed if he failed to appear.
#11 Adiyogi Statue Permissions Confirmed – 16 August 2023
Allegations circulated online claiming the Adiyogi statue and related structures at the Isha Yoga Centre were built without required approvals. However, officials confirmed that the installations had received proper permissions from relevant authorities. Reports citing government sources stated that the constructions complied with regulatory requirements, countering claims of illegal building activity.
#12 Police Close Case on Sadhguru’s Wife’s Death – 21 February 2023
A complaint alleging Sadhguru’s involvement in the death of his wife Vijayakumari (Vijji) was investigated by Coimbatore Police. After several months of inquiry, police concluded that there was no evidence of wrongdoing and closed the case. Despite the closure, related allegations continued to circulate online.
#13 Wildlife Complaint Over Snake Display Falls Flat – 16 October 2022
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) filed a complaint alleging improper handling of a snake at an event associated with Sadhguru and the Isha Foundation. Forest officials later clarified that the snake had been safely released and that no wildlife law violation was established. The matter remained at the level of a complaint without prosecution. Authorities indicated that available evidence did not support claims of mistreatment, effectively closing the controversy.
#14 RTI Reply Rejects Forest Encroachment Claims – 11 December 2021
An RTI response from the Tamil Nadu government stated that the Isha Yoga Centre in Coimbatore had not encroached on forest land and was not located within a notified elephant corridor. The clarification came after allegations circulated online claiming wildlife and land violations. Officials confirmed that no such corridor was notified in the relevant forest division. The RTI reply effectively refuted one of the earliest major claims levelled against the foundation during the period under review.
#15 Madras HC Dismisses Plea Against Isha Samskriti School – March 2015
The Madras High Court rejected a petition by advocate M. Vetriselvan seeking to restrain Isha Samskriti from admitting young children and teaching Vedic and traditional subjects. The bench of Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice M. M. Sundresh observed that India accommodates diverse education models and no individual can impose a single framework. The court viewed the plea as an attempt to constrain educational diversity and dismissed the interim request. Vetriselvan had alleged violations of Articles 14 and 21 and questioned approvals. Isha Samskriti offers a holistic curriculum combining yoga, traditional arts, Sanskrit, English and basic mathematics.
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