Madras High Court: In a habeas corpus petition filed directing the respondents to produce the corpus or body of the petitioner’s daughters, who are held captive inside “Isha Foundation”, Coimbatore and set them at liberty, the division bench of S.M. Subramaniam and V. Sivagnanam, JJ. asked the petitioner to produce the details of criminal cases registered against the institution. Further, the Additional Public Prosecutor was directed to collect all those case details and place them before the Court for further consideration.
The petitioner, a retired professor, has two daughters whom he educated up to the Master’s level in Engineering. Both daughters subsequently joined the Isha Foundation in Coimbatore. The petitioner alleged that the foundation is engaging in manipulative practices, effectively brainwashing individuals and making them monks. He has raised serious concerns about the environment within the institution, stating that it has been widely criticized. Additionally, he pointed to a recent criminal case under the POCSO Act involving a doctor associated with the foundation, who is accused of molesting 12 girls at a local Adivasi government school.
In view of the serious nature of the allegations raised against the institution, the Court opined that some more deliberations are required to understand the truth behind the allegations.
The Court asked the petitioner to produce the details of criminal cases registered against the institution. Further, the Additional Public Prosecutor was directed to collect all those case details and place them before the Court for further consideration.
The Court noted that in paragraph 15 of the affidavit filed in support of the present petition, it was stated that on 15-06-2024, his elder daughter called the petitioner over mobile and said that his younger daughter is fasting unto death till the petitioner should give up his legal protest and litigations against Isha Yoga Centre.
With reference to the said allegations, the Court directed the Coimbatore Rural Police to conduct an enquiry and file a status report before this Court.
The matter will next be taken up by 04-10-2024.
[Dr. S. Kamaraj v. State of Tamil Nadu, 2024 SCC OnLine Mad 5361, decided on 30-09-2024]
Advocates who appeared in this case :
For Petitioner: Mr. M. Purushothoman,
For Respondents: Mr.E.Raj Thilak, Additional Public Prosecutor, Mr. M. Suresh, Mr. S.Rajendra Kumar
