Today’s Supreme Court decision to transfer the habeas corpus petition related to Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev’s Isha Foundation is more than a legal formality – it’s a decisive step amid what seems to be another attempt to undermine Hindu spiritual leaders and institutions. A Tamil Nadu-based doctor claimed his two daughters were being held in illegal confinement at the ashram, a claim the women themselves refuted during a video interaction with the Supreme Court. They explicitly stated that they were living there voluntarily, which calls into question the true motives behind the case. The Isha Foundation, founded by Sadhguru, is internationally recognized for its work in raising human consciousness and promoting global harmony through yoga and individual transformation. This is not merely a spiritual organization but a movement aimed at reviving ancient practices rooted in Sanatan Dharma. It is no surprise that such an institution has become a target for forces determined to undermine the resurgence of Hinduism in India – a resurgence that is growing stronger with the promotion of tolerance and mutual respect, principles that are central to the ancient science of yoga.
This is not the first time that a prominent Hindu leader has been targeted under dubious circumstances. The arrest and imprisonment of Shankaracharya of Kanchi under similarly controversial allegations a few years ago set a dangerous precedent. That case was later exposed as being driven by political motives, and the current situation raises similar red flags. One cannot ignore the fact that a high-ranking member of Tamil Nadu’s ruling party recently made inflammatory comments comparing Sanatan Dharma to diseases like dengue and malaria, suggesting it should be eradicated. This rhetoric aligns disturbingly well with the timing of the allegations against Sadhguru, suggesting a coordinated effort to malign spiritual leaders who represent the resurgence of Hindu philosophy and practice. The Supreme Court’s decision to take the case from the Tamil Nadu High Court and halt any police action against the Isha Foundation is a welcome relief. Had the Madras High Court been allowed to proceed, it is likely that a police investigation would have followed, potentially leading to the creation of a case against Sadhguru. The damage to his reputation, not to mention the global impact on the Isha Foundation’s work, could have been devastating. This case has all the hallmarks of a conspiracy aimed at not only defaming Sadhguru but also diminishing the influence of Hindu spiritual movements that are gaining prominence both in India and globally. It is crucial to note that the two women involved are adults, fully capable of making their own decisions. Their clear admission that they were living at the ashram voluntarily should have put the matter to rest, yet the fact that this case escalated to the Supreme Court hints at a deeper agenda. The apex court’s intervention has, for now, thwarted what could have been a politically motivated attack on a prominent spiritual figure and his foundation. This case should serve as a reminder that not all legal actions are purely about justice. When it comes to prominent Hindu spiritual leaders, there often seems to be more at play – whether it’s political vendettas, ideological battles, or attempts to stifle the cultural revival of Sanatan Dharma. The Supreme Court’s timely action has likely nipped this conspiracy in the bud, but vigilance is needed to ensure that such efforts to undermine spiritual leaders do not succeed in the future.