Madras High Court Probes Isha Foundation Over Women’s Decision to Embrace Monkhood

The Madras High Court has sought answers from Sadhguru’s Isha Foundation, questioning why women are encouraged to renounce worldly lives while his own daughter was married. This inquiry follows a petition from retired professor S Kamaraj, who claimed that his two daughters had been "brainwashed" into abandoning their professional careers to live as hermits at the Isha Yoga Center. The women, aged 42 and 39, appeared in court, reiterating that their choice to stay at the center was voluntary. Despite their statements, the court remains concerned and has instructed the police to investigate further, including compiling a list of cases involving the foundation. Isha Foundation responded by emphasizing that its residents have the autonomy to choose their life paths, whether they pursue marriage or monkhood. The foundation also noted that it only has one pending case with the police, with another being stayed by the court. The ongoing case highlights issues surrounding personal freedom, religious influence, and family concerns in spiritual movements.