News Summary:
- The Supreme Court has restrained the Tamil Nadu Police from taking action against Isha Foundation following a Madras High Court order.
- The case involves allegations that two women were being illegally confined at the foundation’s ashram.
- The Supreme Court will hear the case again starting the week of October 14, after interacting with the women who stated they were staying voluntarily.
Why Did the Supreme Court Intervene in the Isha Foundation Case?
The Supreme Court recently intervened in a case involving Jaggi Vasudev’s Isha Foundation after the Tamil Nadu Police were directed by the Madras High Court to investigate claims of illegal confinement at the foundation. The case began when a man filed a habeas corpus petition, claiming that his two daughters were being held against their will at the ashram.
In response, the Isha Foundation appealed to the Supreme Court, challenging the Madras High Court’s order. A bench led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud temporarily restrained the police from pursuing further investigation. The court also took over the habeas corpus petition, ordering that any updates on the case be reported directly to the Supreme Court.
What Did the Women Say About the Allegations?
During a video conference with the Supreme Court, the two women at the center of the case stated they were residing at the Isha Foundation of their own free will. They denied any claims of being held captive. Their father, however, had filed a petition alleging that they were being detained illegally, which led to the initial order by the Madras High Court to investigate.
The Supreme Court’s bench, including Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, ordered that the Tamil Nadu Police should not take any further action until the case is reviewed further. The court also noted that the police had left the foundation’s premises the night before.
What Happens Next?
The Supreme Court has set a hearing date for the week starting October 14 to review the matter in more detail. Until then, no further police action will be taken, and the case will remain under the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction. The court has also asked the police to submit a status report, providing an update on the situation.
This decision offers temporary relief to Isha Foundation and its founder, Jaggi Vasudev, as the allegations are being carefully scrutinized by the highest court in the country.
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