The Delhi High Court on 14th October directed Google to use its technology to counter fake advertisements using Sadhguru’s AI generated images. This was in response to Sadhguru and Isha Foundation highlighting Google’s failure to prevent the continued misuse of Sadhguru’s name, image, and videos through misleading AI deepfake advertisements, including the ad of Sadhguru’s fake arrest, on its video sharing platform YouTube.

The single judge bench of Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora told Google that publishing such advertisements showing fake arrest of Sadhguru should be stopped. The Court ordered Google to use its technology to address the issue and if it has any limitations or reservations with regard to use of its technology then to file an affidavit in court detailing the reasons. The Court further directed Google and Isha to meet and jointly discuss the issue and arrive at a solution such that Isha Foundation need not repeatedly reach out for removal of such content. 

Beware of Fake Advertisements and Scams Using @SadhguruJV‘s Name and Image. Please report these ads as “Scam” if they appear on your feed.

Fraudulent content including fake AI-generated videos, morphed images, and misleading financial investment advertisements have been… pic.twitter.com/m1jolbqkXu

— Isha Foundation (@ishafoundation) June 16, 2025

It was brought to the Court’s notice that Google has a policy against publishing clickbait advertisements using negative life events like arrest, death etc and it was not following the same. Also it was pointed out that as per the Intermediary rules, Google is obligated to deploy technology-based measures, including automated tools or other mechanisms to proactively identify information which is identical/similar in content to information that has previously been removed due to a court order.

Earlier, Sadhguru and Isha Foundation had approached the Delhi High Court by filing a suit against all unknown channels and social media intermediaries where Sadhguru’s personality rights were being violated with fake and misleading videos, posts and advertisements. The Delhi High Court, through its order dated 30 May 2025, granted protection to Sadhguru’s personality rights and directed Google to suspend, take down, and disable such infringing channels and content.

However, despite the Court order, there had been a surge in fake advertisements on YouTube. These included fraudulent ads falsely claiming Sadhguru’s arrest and doctored videos showing him promoting fake investment schemes.

Cunningly exploiting public trust in Sadhguru’s name, these clickbait ads lure unsuspecting users to websites designed to harvest personal and financial data or promote bogus investment scams. The continued circulation of these deepfake and deceptive advertisements has caused widespread confusion and concern, with thousands of volunteers, and members of the public reaching out to verify false claims of Sadhguru’s “arrest.” Such orchestrated misinformation damages Sadhguru’s work, undermines public trust, and endangers the integrity of digital discourse.

Isha Foundation continues to take proactive steps to remove such fraudulent material and safeguard individuals from falling prey to these scams. The Foundation urges the public to remain vigilant and to report any fake advertisements or videos on YouTube falsely claiming that Sadhguru has been arrested by marking them as “Scam” or “Misleading”.

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India is facing a growing mental health crisis, particularly among students. Recent data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reveals a 65% increase in student suicides over the past decade, an alarming rise that surpasses the overall increase in suicide deaths nationwide. On World Mental Health Day, this reality underscores the urgent need for decisive action and innovative solutions.

Disturbing Trends In Student Suicide

In 2023 alone, almost 13,900 students in India died by suicide, compared with just over 8,400 a decade earlier. Students now account for more than 8% of total suicides nationally, a proportion that has climbed steadily over recent years. Mental health experts point to mounting academic pressure, high expectations, and a weakened support system, leaving many young people isolated and overwhelmed.

Addressing The Crisis: Sadhguru’s Perspective

Renowned spiritual teacher Sadhguru voiced deep concern over these findings:

“Most deeply disturbing that our children are experiencing such levels of distress and despair. We have dismantled many traditional support structures. It is imperative that we re-introduce methods and practices that enhance our children’s mental strength… If every educational institution invests 7 minutes a day on a simple meditative process, it will greatly enhance the mental wellbeing of their wards and wardens. We must make this happen because no progress of any kind is worthwhile or meaningful for the Nation if young people feel shortchanged by it.”

Most deeply disturbing that our children are experiencing such levels of distress and despair. Traditionally, children were initiated into education only after they were prepared sufficiently – physically and mentally – to take on the rigors of student life. We have dismantled… https://t.co/23UZdE2McM

— Sadhguru (@SadhguruJV) October 2, 2025

Miracle of Mind: A Step Towards Mental Wellness

The Miracle of Mind app, a 7-minute meditation platform developed by Sadhguru, has emerged as one of the most popular and accessible tools aimed at addressing the mental health needs of youth. The app exceeded a million downloads within just 15 hours of launch, trending across 20 countries and offering content in five languages. Quick to use and designed for daily practice, Miracle of Mind delivers guided meditation and AI-powered support, helping users cultivate inward access to mental stillness and resilience.

Beyond India, the app has also drawn global interest. Sadhguru recently met Italy’s Vice President Antonio Tajani, where the tool was endorsed at a national level:

“A wonderful catch-up meeting with Italy’s Vice President Antonio Tajani after our impactful discussion during the Save Soil campaign. Today, the Miracle of Mind tool earned strong support from Italy’s Government and will soon be officially implemented nationwide. We hope this powerful meditation tool, as technologies for well-being, supports Italian children, youth, and adults in overcoming the growing mental health challenges that are reaching pandemic proportions worldwide.” – Sadhguru

https://www.instagram.com/p/DPOHZu1Dh79/?img_index=2

This endorsement marks a significant step in recognizing meditation-based interventions as global solutions for mental health challenges.

Simple Steps For A Healthier Tomorrow

Educators and mental health professionals are increasingly recommending structured meditation practices like Miracle of Mind for schools and colleges. Even short daily sessions, when integrated into academic routines, can help reduce stress, anxiety, and emotional strain while fostering resilience and self-assurance.

On this World Mental Health Day, the message is unequivocal: addressing student suicides demands compassionate engagement and practical tools. By embedding emotional wellness into educational policy, and using technology to make it accessible, India can equip its youth to thrive even in the face of modern pressures.

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If you know a little bit of science, you know that if you feed a sound into an oscilloscope – an instrument used to measure signals – depending upon the sound’s frequency and amplitude, the oscilloscope will give out a certain form. It is an established fact that every sound has a form attached to it. Similarly, every form has a sound attached to it. Sanskrit language was discovered by people who observed different forms in the existence and identified the sound attached to that particular form.

Sanskrit is not an invented language in the sense that, other languages are made up for the sake of communication. For example, in English, we use the sound “mic” to refer to a mic. But we could have called it anything – “boom,” “toom,” “ teen,” or whatever else. We can actually invent a new language. This is how, when the need for communication came, different cultures invented different languages. But Sanskrit language was not invented in this way.

When you utter a sound in Sanskrit, there is a communication – not just between you and me; there is a communication between you and what you are referring to. If you say “surya,” you are not just saying “surya” to make someone understand. When you say “surya,” the sound surya is connecting to the form surya. That means you get closer to the life process by just uttering these sounds.

That is the reason why when Sanskrit is taught, it has to be learnt by rote. People just chant the language endlessly. It does not matter whether you know the meaning or not. The sound is important, not the meaning. Meanings are made up in your mind.

Different types of sounds have a different impact on your mind and body, and one important aspect to activate and stimulate the brain is language. Today, many of the elite schools in UK, Germany and other parts of the world teach Sanskrit because they see that just uttering these sounds stimulates the brain. Suppose we left you in a hall and made a lot of noise for a whole day. You would want to run away from there. Initially, you may think it is fun, but after some time, it has a negative impact on your system. Your body and mind begin to suffer in some way. But suppose we play some gentle music instead, there will be no need to run away from it. Similarly, the Sanskrit language was consciously created so that just uttering the language will purify the system.

Above all, Sanskrit also uses your ability to utter sounds in every possible way. Once you speak the Sanskrit language, you can learn almost any language in the world effortlessly because you would have used your tongue in every possible way, which you would not do when you speak English. Sanskrit language has a phonetic possibility of causing the maximum number of sound vibrations within the system and activating the human system to its fullest capacity.

Ranked amongst the fifty most influential people in India, Sadhguru is a Yogi, mystic, visionary and a New York Times bestselling author. Sadhguru has been conferred the Padma Vibhushan by the Government of India in 2017, the highest annual civilian award, accorded for exceptional and distinguished service. He is also the founder of the world’s largest people’s movement, Conscious Planet– Save Soil, which has touched over 4 billion people.

The post The Science Of Sanskrit: Sadhguru Writes For The Commune appeared first on The Commune.

Marking World Environment Day, 40 volunteers from Sadhguru Sannidhi Bengaluru, Chikkaballapura, undertook an extensive clean-up of the revered Jalari Narasimhaswamy Devasthana, located at the peak of the Narasimha Devasthana Hills. The volunteers collected and brought down 40 bags, primarily of plastic waste, as part of a larger commitment to the theme of this year’s Environment Day: Ending Plastic Pollution. 

This impactful drive also marked the beginning of a month-long environmental campaign in 22 villages of Avalagurki and Thippenahalli panchayats, led by Hasiru Chikkaballapura, an ecological initiative of Sadhguru Sannidhi. The campaign will focus on raising awareness about plastic waste management, especially among women and youth, while reinforcing sustainable practices across rural communities surrounding the Sadhguru Sannidhi. 

The launch of this month-long campaign was held at the temple premises and graced by Shri Muniraju BM, PDO of Thippenahalli Panchayath; Shri Sundaresh, priest from Jalari Narasimha Swamy temple; Shri M. Narasimhaiah, Assistant Agriculture Officer (Retd.) from the Watershed Development Department, Chikkaballapura; Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Shri Vikas Yajurvedi and Swami Lavana, Coordinator, Hasiru Chikkaballapura Project. The dignitaries shared insights on local environmental challenges, dangers of microplastics, ecological preservation, soil enrichment and the need for collective grassroots action. 

The campaign will include plastic awareness sessions, household-level workshops, games competitions, prizes for winners, and the distribution of drumstick saplings to promote nutrition and green cover. Special focus will be given to women SHG members, as they are the key drivers of behavioural change within families. Through fun, participative formats and targeted messaging, Hasiru Chikkaballapura aims to make sustainable habits accessible and actionable at the village level. 

Hasiru Chikkaballapur is an environmental outreach initiative of Sadhguru Sannidhi aimed at enriching soil and conserving water, boosting farmers’ incomes through tree-based agriculture and enhancing community health and wellbeing.

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The leftist cabal in India have been sharing a propaganda story on Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev and his Isha Foundation written by a self-proclaimed journalist called Be Scofield. On closer look, one can see that in recent years, a series of articles published by GuruMag, a website run by Be Scofield, have aggressively targeted prominent Indian spiritual leaders, including Sadhguru and Mata Amritanandamayi. These articles often rely on anonymous sources and unverified claims, presenting a skewed and sensationalist narrative. A closer examination reveals a pattern of deceptive practices aimed at maligning the image of these leaders without credible evidence. This article seeks to expose the agenda behind these attacks and clarify the facts.

Must read: “Inside Sadhguru's Cult Empire”. This is a detailed investigative report on Sadhguru & his murky empire by a highly acclaimed reporter & writer on cults & Gurus. Even if 10% of this is true, it is shocking & revolting.
Must be investigated https://t.co/0SpjuuNqE9

— Prashant Bhushan (@pbhushan1) March 5, 2025

Be Scofield’s Business, History Of Targeting Indian Gurus

Be Scofield, the individual behind the The Guru Magazine (www.gurumag.com) website has a history of publishing sensationalist articles targeting Indian spiritual leaders. Her Instagram profile (@bescofield123) openly promotes these controversial stories, often lacking credible sources or legal validation.

Scofield, heavily supported by vested interests, is dubbed the “anti-cult hero of the digital age” and has been involved in media projects like HBO’s Love Has Won and Netflix’s Unwell. Her work has been cited by outlets like The New York Times, The Washington Post, and CNN. However, without any real understanding of spirituality, she continues to abuse and malign the belief systems and sentiments of millions of Indians under the guise of investigative journalism.

Modus Operandi Of Be Scofield

Be Scofield employs deceptive tactics by using multiple names and email addresses while publishing her articles across several self-owned websites to fabricate an illusion of credibility. She frequently writes about herself in the third person, creating the impression that independent sources are endorsing her work. Additionally, Scofield has been known to violate copyright laws, intimidate her critics, and spread unverified, harmful rumors rather than conducting genuine investigative journalism.

Towards the end of 2018, Scofield set out to accuse a man she had never met of serious crimes allegedly committed in 2005 and 2006. Before even initiating her investigation, she had already communicated her intention to the local prosecutor. In early 2019, she proceeded to publish the inflammatory piece, “Aaravindha Himadra and the Mysterious Orcas Island Death of Carla Jean Shaffer,” on her personal website. She then amplified its reach through other platforms she controlled and social media.

Following six months of extensive research and analysis, Sirius Investigations arrived at the same conclusion reached earlier by law enforcement agencies, the coroner, and the prosecuting attorney—there was absolutely no evidence that a crime had been committed.

Through a thorough review of police records, medical reports, and interviews with residents familiar with the incident, investigators found no link between Himadra and Shaffer’s death. Scofield’s claims were not only baseless but also deliberately defamatory.

Her attempt to connect Himadra to Shaffer’s passing was a deliberate effort to manufacture a sensationalized narrative. In reality, there was no motive, opportunity, or evidence tying him to the event. The incidents she referenced occurred when Himadra and his wife were away on a two-month teaching tour in Europe.

Scofield used the tragic passing of a vulnerable woman to concoct a defamatory story designed to boost her own notoriety. By falsely accusing Himadra, she fueled misdirected anger and unrest within the otherwise peaceful community of Orcas Island.

Her unfounded attack on Himadra follows a pattern of similar accusations against other spiritual leaders. Her approach involves targeting a figure, collecting any gossip—no matter how unreliable—that supports her premeditated narrative, dismissing facts that contradict her claims, and then fabricating sensationalist allegations that she spreads widely online.

Himadra’s Story Replicated In Jaggi Vasudev’s Story

Among the most disturbing claims made by GuruMag is the allegation surrounding the demise of Sadhguru’s wife, Vijji, in 1997. The article insinuates foul play even though the matter was thoroughly investigated by the Indian Judiciary, which found no evidence of wrongdoing.

The courts stated there was nothing suspicious or criminal about Vijji’s demise, closing the case without any charges against Sadhguru. These judicial findings make it clear that the conspiracy theories propagated by Scofield are baseless and defamatory. Continuously reviving this closed case not only disrespects the Indian judiciary but also attempts to mislead the public. The investigation into Viji Maa’s Mahasamadhi revealed nothing suspicious and the case was finally thrown out of court in 1999.

Even accomplished yogis who spend their lives in spiritual sadhana struggle to attain this Mahasamadhi. To leave one’s life out of the body without injuring the body takes something else. This is the ultimate goal of every spiritual seeker and those who achieve it are held in reverence because it takes an extraordinary level of discipline and devotion.

Furthermore, repeatedly bringing up an unproven and legally settled matter is deeply disrespectful to Vijji Maa’s legacy, reducing her life and spiritual contributions to mere speculation and gossip.

Contrary to the allegations of financial misconduct mentioned in Gurumag, the Isha Foundation has consistently maintained a record of financial transparency. Its finances are regularly audited and made available for public review. The foundation’s large-scale initiatives, such as Cauvery Calling and Rally for Rivers, have been widely recognized for their positive impact.

Unverified Allegations Against Mata Amritanandamayi

Mata Amritanandamayi, a respected spiritual leader, has also been a target of GuruMag’s hit pieces. Similar to the articles on Sadhguru, the accusations against her rely on anonymous sources and lack verifiable evidence. The recurring theme of slandering Indian spiritual leaders based on hearsay suggests a deliberate agenda rather than a quest for truth.

Be Scofield has gone so far as to twist Mata Amritanandamayi’s compassionate gestures—her famous hugs and blessings—into false narratives, portraying them as sexual. Such blatant misrepresentation attempts to tarnish a well-respected spiritual tradition that has brought comfort and healing to millions worldwide. These fabrications not only undermine her mission but also insult the sentiments of her devotees who have experienced genuine solace and transformation through her guidance.

A hallmark of GuruMag’s articles is the extensive use of anonymous sources. Journalism demands verifiable facts, not unsubstantiated claims from unnamed individuals. The absence of concrete evidence in these articles raises legitimate questions about the integrity of the reporting.

Sensationalist headlines and cherry-picked stories are used to attract attention, often without providing the full context or allowing the accused a fair opportunity to respond. This strategy not only undermines the credibility of the publication but also poses a serious threat to honest journalism.

Why Target Indian Spirituality?

The consistent focus on Indian spiritual leaders by Be Scofield, without applying the same scrutiny to other religious figures globally, suggests a targeted agenda. Such selective reporting raises concerns about cultural bias and a potential agenda to undermine the credibility of Indian spirituality.

The articles published by GuruMag represent a textbook example of smear campaigns—heavy on accusations but light on evidence. In the absence of credible proof, these stories should be seen for what they are: an attempt to undermine the credibility of globally respected spiritual leaders based on innuendo and conjecture.

As responsible readers, we must rely on verified facts and respect the conclusions of the judicial system. Sadhguru and Mata Amritanandamayi’s contributions to society are substantial and well-documented, and they should not be overshadowed by baseless allegations.

In an era of misinformation, let us uphold the values of truth and fairness, ensuring that unfounded accusations do not cloud the contributions of those who work for the greater good.

(Meena Vishwanath is an Assistant Director at SMaRT media coalition)

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The post The Distorted Narratives Of The Guru Magazine: Exposing The Modus Operandi Of Be Scofield’s Campaign Against Indian Spiritual Gurus appeared first on The Commune.

Isha Yoga Center in Coimbatore is set to host an electrifying Mahashivratri celebration on February 26, bringing together millions for a night of profound spiritual energy and cultural vibrance. The event will be graced by Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah and Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister Shri D.K. Shivakumar as special guests, making this year’s gathering even more momentous.

At a press conference held today (February 22, 2025) at the Coimbatore Press Club, Swami Paaraga, regional coordinator of Isha Foundation, addressed the media alongside Isha volunteers Ganesh Ravindran and Saravanan.

Speaking at the event, Swami Paaraga said, “In India’s spiritual tradition, the Shivratri in the Tamil month of Maasi is celebrated as Mahashivratri. On this night, due to planetary alignments, human energies naturally move upward. To harness this possibility, our culture has observed Mahashivratri as a night of wakefulness for thousands of years.”

He further stated, “The 31st Mahashivratri celebration at Isha will be a grand affair, featuring Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar as esteemed guests.”

The festival will take place in front of the iconic Adiyogi statue, beginning at 6 PM on February 26 and continuing until 6 AM the following morning. Under the guidance of Sadhguru, the night will be filled with powerful meditations, mantra chanting, and spellbinding performances by renowned artists.

A major highlight of the event will be Sadhguru’s midnight Mahamantra initiation, an opportunity for participants to experience deep meditative states. Additionally, Sadhguru will unveil a free meditation app, Miracle of the Mind. Featuring a 7-minute guided meditation with Sadhguru, this app aims to empower individuals to establish a daily meditation practice that can easily fit their schedule.

For the convenience of attendees, arrangements have been made for parking, purified drinking water, hygienic restrooms, and emergency medical assistance. Special seating has been prioritised for people of Tamil Nadu.

Those interested can register online at Isha Mahashivratri Website or attend as walk-ins with free entry. As part of the tradition, Maha Annadanam will be offered, ensuring free food for thousands of devotees. The event will be broadcast live from over 100 locations across India, including 50 sites in Tamil Nadu and 25 in Kerala, with streaming available in 22 languages. It will also be aired on 150+ TV channels, digital platforms, and 100+ PVR-INOX theatres, while Jio, Hotstar, ZEE5, and major FM radio stations will carry live coverage.

To keep the energy high through the night, live music performances will feature Satya Prakash, a popular Tamil singer; Subha Raghavendra a Karnataka-based vocalist; hip-hop artist Danish Singh (Paradox); the renowned Marathi music duo Ajay-Atul; Muktidan Gadhvi, a Gujarati folk singer; and Cassandra Mae, a German artist known for Bhartiya devotional songs.

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The Supreme Court has dismissed a habeas corpus petition filed by a father who claimed that his two daughters were being held against their will and brainwashed at the Isha Yoga Centre.

The court noted the statements of the two women, aged 39 and 42, confirming that they are legal adults and are voluntarily staying at the ashram, with the freedom to leave whenever they wish. As a result, the court concluded that no further action was necessary, and the case was closed.

During the hearing, the bench personally interacted with the two women, who affirmed that they were free to move and had participated in various activities at the Ashram. The Court noted that one of the women had even recently completed a 10-kilometer marathon.

However, the court clarified that the closure of this habeas corpus case does not exempt the Isha Yoga Centre from fulfilling any other legal or regulatory obligations.

The Supreme Court also criticized the Madras High Court’s previous decision to direct a police inquiry into other allegations against the Isha Yoga Centre based on the habeas corpus petition. The bench, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, noted that the High Court overstepped its jurisdiction, stating, “Since both women are adults, and the purpose of the habeas corpus petition has been fulfilled, no further directions are needed from the High Court.”

The petition, originally filed by the father of the two women, claimed that his daughters were being held against their will and brainwashed by the Ashram. However, Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing the Isha Foundation, pointed out that the Tamil Nadu police’s status report indicated the women were staying at the Ashram voluntarily. Rohatgi also argued that the High Court’s directions for an inquiry were unwarranted, given the nature of the habeas corpus petition.

Senior Advocate Siddharth Luthra, representing the Tamil Nadu government, requested the Court to clarify that the closure of the habeas corpus petition would not prevent the police from investigating other allegations related to regulatory compliance at the Isha Foundation. The bench agreed, stating that the closure of the habeas corpus case would not affect any ongoing or future regulatory requirements that the Foundation must comply with.

(With inputs from Live Law)

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The post Supreme Court Dismisses Habeas Corpus Case Against Isha Yoga Centre, Affirms Voluntary Stay of Petitioner’s Daughters appeared first on The Commune.

When I was in the 8th grade, our school administration mandated that we all speak English within the school premises. A friend jokingly remarked, “Angrez gaye par Angreziyat rah gayi hai” (The colonialists have gone but the colonialism remains). We all laughed at the time, and like every fleeting moment of innocence that one, too, faded into the past.

Earlier today, someone in a WhatsApp group shared a news clipping from a leading English newspaper titled, “When Jaggi Vasudev’s daughter is married, why is he telling others to be hermit?” The headline left me stunned. I reread it, hoping it was merely a journalist’s creative liberty, but it wasn’t. Instantly, I recalled the remark, “Angreziyat rah gayi hai” Such uninformed and casual commentary from those entrusted with the duty of delivering justice is deeply concerning.

Let’s first understand the context in which the Hon’ble Judges made these remarks. One S Kamaraj filed a habeas corpus petition under Article 225 of the Constitution of India, seeking ‘an order or direction more particularly in the nature of a writ of habeas corpus directing the respondent to produce the corpus or body of the petitioner’s daughters, Geetha Kamaraj alias Maa Mathi, aged 42, and Latha Kamaraj alias Maa Maayu, aged 39, daughters of Dr. Kamaraj, who are held captive inside Isha Foundation, Coimbatore, before this court and set them at liberty.’

The Hon’ble High Court, during the adjudication of the matter, examined Maa Mathi and Maa Maayu, both of whom clearly stated that they had voluntarily taken Sanyas of their own free will. Yet, despite this, the Hon’ble Court, in its order dated 30.09.2024, stated:

“…In view of the serious nature of the allegations raised against the institution and the way and the manner in which the detenues have spoken before us, we could form an opinion that some more deliberations are required to understand the truth behind the allegations. Therefore, the petitioner shall produce the details of criminal cases registered against the institution and the learned Additional Public Prosecutor also shall collect all those case details and place before us for further consideration.”

What’s particularly intriguing here is that the petitioner, Mr. S Kamaraj, had earlier appeared in a habeas corpus petition filed by his wife, Mrs K Sathiajothi, in 2016, making similar allegations and seeking similar relief. In HCP No. 1656/2016 titled Mrs. K. Sathiajothi v. State of Tamil Nadu & Ors, the Hon’ble Division Bench directed the Principal District and Sessions Judge, Coimbatore, to visit the Isha Yoga Centre, interact with the family, and file a detailed report. Following the judge’s visit and interaction, the Hon’ble High Court dismissed the petition on 12.08.2016. The relevant portion of that order reads:

“17. Having gone through the report of the learned Principal District Judge and having gone through the statements of Ms. Geetha Kamaraj and Ms. Latha Kamaraj, and having heard the statements of Dr. Kamaraj, the husband of the petitioner, and the learned counsel for the fifth respondent/Isha Foundation, and the learned Additional Public Prosecutor appearing for the State, we are of the view that as of now, there is no material on record even to remotely infer that Ms. Geetha Kamaraj & Ms. Latha Kamaraj are illegally detained by the Isha Foundation. Prima facie, we are satisfied that the detenues are staying in the Isha Foundation on their own volition, following a path of Sanyasin which they like. Therefore, no relief as prayed for in this petition can be granted.

18. In the result, this Habeas Corpus Petition is dismissed…”

Despite the dismissal of a similar petition with the same prayers, the petitioner once again approached the Hon’ble High Court in the present matter. What concerns me is the lack of mindfulness in the remarks made by the Hon’ble Judges.

Regarding the legal framework for habeas corpus petitions, a three-judge bench of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, consisting of then Chief Justice Dipak Mishra, Justice AM Khanwilkar, and Justice DY Chandrachud, clarified the ambit of habeas corpus in the Shafin Jahan v. Asokan K.M. & Ors case, commonly known as the Hadiya case. While the bench reached the same conclusion, Justice Chandrachud wrote a concurrent judgment on the issue. The key observations from the judgment authored by the Hon’ble CJI for himself and Justice Khanwilkar are as follows:

“The ambit of a habeas corpus petition is to trace an individual who is stated to be missing. Once the individual appears before the court and asserts that as a major, she or he is not under illegal confinement, which the court finds to be a free expression of will, that would conclude the exercise of the jurisdiction…

The schism between Hadiya and her father may be unfortunate. But it was no part of the jurisdiction of the High Court to decide what it considered to be a ‘just’ way of life or ‘correct’ course of living for Hadiya. She has absolute autonomy over her person. Hadiya appeared before the High Court and stated that she was not under illegal confinement. There was no warrant for the High Court to proceed further in the exercise of its jurisdiction under Article 226.

The purpose of the habeas corpus petition ended. It had to be closed as the earlier Bench had done. The High Court has entered into a domain which is alien to its jurisdiction in a habeas corpus petition…

The duty of the Court is to uphold the right and not to abridge the sphere of the right unless there is a valid authority of law.”

Justice Chandrachud, in his concurring judgment, added:

“1…. The High Court of Kerala has committed an error of jurisdiction. But what to my mind, is disconcerting, is the manner in which the liberty and dignity of a citizen have been subjected to judicial affront… The reason for this concurring judgment is that it is the duty of this Court, in the exercise of its constitutional functions, to formulate principles in order to ensure that the valued rights of citizens are not subjugated at the altar of a paternalistic social structure….

23. The High Court, in the present case, has treaded on an area which must be out of bounds for a constitutional court. The views of the High Court have encroached into a private space reserved for women and men in which neither law nor the judges can intrude. The High Court was of the view that at twenty four, Hadiya “is weak and vulnerable, capable of being exploited in many ways”. The High Court has lost sight of the fact that she is a major, capable of taking her own decisions and is entitled to the right recognised by the Constitution to lead her life exactly as she pleases….”

Thus, the legal position on habeas corpus is clear.  The Sanyasins appeared before the court and confirmed that they had taken Sanyas of their own free will. The matter should have been settled then and there. With the same issue already settled by the Hon’ble High Court in 2016, reopening it and subjecting two adult individuals—one aged 39 and the other 42—to further scrutiny is a clear violation of their constitutional rights. Do they not have the right to autonomy over their own lives? Is this not a repeat affront to their liberty and dignity at the hands of the judiciary?

What exactly is Sanyas? Can anyone force someone to take Sanyas? There are millions of people worldwide associated with Isha Yoga Centre, but are all of them Sanyasins? Certainly not. Only a select few have embraced the path of Sanyas, and they did so not because Sadhguru compelled them, but because Sanyas comes from within. Thousands of years ago, Prince Siddhartha renounced his kingdom and became a Sanyasi, known today as Gautam Buddha. Countless devotees of his have renounced worldly life, and many continue to do so each year. Similarly, Jain monks follow this path, with entire families—sometimes including minors—embracing Sanyas. In Hinduism, since time immemorial, people have taken up Sanyas, severing all worldly ties, sometimes even performing ‘Shradh’ for their living parents. Despite attempts by various foreign powers, from the Greeks to the British, to dismantle this institution of Sanyas, they all failed.

In independent India, many attempts have been made to discredit Gurus and Mathas, deterring people from associating with them. The attack on Sadhguru is just the latest in this ongoing effort. What’s troubling is the judiciary’s involvement. Are we now suggesting that courts must approve Sanyas? Sanyas often faces opposition from family members, and if courts start scrutinizing every case, it could undermine the institution and provide a tool for those seeking to erode our cultural heritage.

The unnecessary oral remarks by the Hon’ble Judges reveal how certain elements in our legal system still echo the approach of British judges before 1947. Much like how British judges, with little understanding of Indian culture and traditions, used to view matters through a Western lens, the oral observations made by the Hon’ble Judges regarding ‘Sanyas’ demonstrate that even after 75 years of independence, we continue to approach such issues with the same colonial mindset. While our country has attained sovereignty, ‘sovereignty of thought’ remains elusive.

This entire situation reveals the colonial mindset of some in the judiciary, who still view Dharma through the same lenses as the British did. It’s a complete disregard for our cultural heritage and traditions. What was once the “White Man’s Burden” seems to have transformed into the “Hon’ble Judges’ Burden.”

Shivam Raghuwanshi is an Advocate at Supreme Court of India and author of book ‘Ballot, Bullet and Blood’.

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The post Hon’ble Judges’ Burden: Judicial Overreach And The Erosion Of Personal Liberty In Isha Sadhguru Case appeared first on The Commune.

At a time when women in Iran are protesting against the compulsory wearing of hijab, Yoga guru Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev has extended his solidarity saying that women should decide for themselves how they want to dress themselves.

In a tweet, Sadhguru said “Neither the religious nor the lecherous should determine how women should dress. Let women decide how they want to be attired. May this retributive culture of punishing someone for what they wear be put to an end, religious or otherwise.”

Neither the religious nor the lecherous should determine how women should dress. Let women decide how they want to be attired. May this retributive culture of punishing someone for what they wear be put to an end, religious or otherwise. – Sg#MahsaAmini #Iran #Hijab

— Sadhguru (@SadhguruJV) September 21, 2022

Iran is seeing unrest with women taking to the streets condemning the death of Mahsa Amini a 22-year-old woman who died in Tehran, Iran, under suspicious circumstances while in police custody, potentially due to police brutality.

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Isha Foundation has served a legal notice to Senior Reporter Pallavi Pundir and the US-based VICE Media Group.

On 23 June, VICE published an article titled “This Climate Guru Is a Celebrity in the US. In India, He’s Accused of Destroying a Forest” written by one Pallavi Pundir on its digital platform containing the usual allegations peddled against Isha Foundation and Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev.

The so-called report is a stringing together of insinuations and allegations that have been perpetrated by vested interests in the past and which Isha has refuted time and again citing government records which has been made available in the public domain.

“Isha Foundation has provided documents including affidavits presented in court by government authorities, official replies to RTIs, court orders and public documents by authorities in public domain which prove these accusations to be false.”, the official press release said.

The VICE article relies largely on a source of dubious distinction – a man who was fired for malpractice by his organization and has been arrested in the past on charges of cheating tribal women. The article is almost entirely based on his narration.

“The article is rife with misinformation and slander and has made no genuine attempt to access the truth.” the statement said and quoted a couple of examples to illustrate the poor standards of scrutiny and verification.

The author of the article attempts to reiterate the usual rhetoric that Isha Foundation has been accused by some specific individuals of encroaching on forest land.

However, the article conveniently ignored the statements of Tamil Nadu Forest Department when it issued an RTI-response reiterating that Isha has not encroached forest land as recently as September 2021,

It is to be noted that the affidavit filed in court by Tamil Nadu Forest Department in 2013 hearing, and the Counter Affidavit filed by The Ministry of Environment & Forests and Climate Change, Government of India in 2017, categorically state that there has been no encroachment.

“It begs the question as to why a media house and journalist would perpetuate the lies spread by spurious vested interests, while ignoring the written statements by regional, state and national governmental authorities of the country and the court of law?”, the statement from Isha said.

Isha Foundation also refuted another allegation about it being located on an elephant corridor stating that several official proofs have been put up in public domain that completely falsify these charges.

The ‘Right of Passage: Elephant Corridors of India’ published by the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) that lists encroachments on elephant corridors in the country doesn’t mention Isha.

Similarly, an Expert Committee Report published online by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department also does not notify any corridor near Isha.

In 2010, the Elephant Task Force of the Ministry of Environment and Forests published Gajah with a list of priority corridors. This document also does not list the area where the Yoga center is situated.

The recent RTI response too categorically states that Isha Yoga center is not on any Elephant Corridor.

“Despite all these irrefutable proofs the article chooses to ignore the truth and instead gives wind to lies.”, Isha Foundation said in its statement.

Isha Foundation has now slapped a legal notice on the author and VICE Media to retract the article in its totality, to cease and desist from levelling such false statements and to tender an unconditional apology for printing blatantly false information even though it had avenues and access to the truth.

“Isha Foundation is extremely disappointed with the writer as well as the VICE group for its lack of journalistic ethics and for misinforming its readers. The publication is duty-bound to clarify to its readers the truth about Isha. We look forward to a mature and responsible response from VICE.”, the statement said.

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