Plea in SC seeks enforcement of ‘Sexual Harassment Act’ in religious institutions, targets Isha Foundation

New Delhi [India], October 15 (ANI): An application has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking the strict implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act in all religious institutions and functions.

The application was submitted by the OBC Mahasabha and others, in connection with a case involving allegations against the Isha Foundation, a non-profit spiritual organisation founded by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev.

S. Kamaraj, a retired professor from Coimbatore, alleged that his two well-educated daughters were being brainwashed by the spiritual leader.

The application, filed through advocate Varun Thakur, stated that the Isha Foundation, a renowned institution conducting various programmes, is not adhering to the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013. It further noted that despite large gatherings at religious events, there is no implementation of this law.

According to the application, chapters VII and VIII of the 2013 Act require the state to strictly enforce the law and ensure it is publicised.

The petitioner also highlighted a recent criminal case registered under the POCSO Act against a doctor working with the Isha Foundation. The doctor was accused of molesting 12 girls studying at an Adivasi Government School.

The application claimed that the Isha Foundation has not implemented the 2013 Act, despite the legal requirement for workplaces. It argued that the lack of implementation in religious settings contributes to such incidents.

The application pointed out that the Isha Foundation employs thousands of male and female workers and accommodates devotees who may stay for months or even years. Despite its large infrastructure and global presence, the foundation’s website and other available information show no evidence of compliance with Section 4 of the 2013 Act.

The petition urged the court to direct the state to ensure the strict enforcement of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013, in all religious institutions, regardless of faith (Hindu, Jain, Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Buddhist, etc.).

On October 3, the Supreme Court had restrained the Tamil Nadu police from taking further action against the Isha Foundation following directions from the Madras High Court. The court also transferred to itself the habeas corpus petition, in which the High Court had passed the order, and asked the police to submit the status report requested by the High Court.

The Supreme Court’s order followed a plea from the Isha Foundation, which argued that a police team of about 150 officers had entered the ashram for investigation based on the High Court’s directions.

Earlier, the Madras High Court, on September 30, had sought a report from the police on all criminal cases registered against the institution, after hearing a habeas corpus petition filed by Kamaraj, who alleged that his daughters were being held captive and brainwashed at the Isha Yoga Centre.

While the two daughters had appeared before the High Court and stated that they were staying at the ashram voluntarily, the High Court noted serious allegations against the institution and requested details of the criminal cases.

Kamaraj had alleged that his daughters were brainwashed to live at the Isha Yoga Centre and were not allowed to maintain contact with their family. The Isha Foundation has denied the allegations.