Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev and Isha Foundation Under Scrutiny Amid Allegations and Legal Battles

In recent months, Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, the founder of the Isha Foundation, has faced a series of controversies ranging from serious allegations of sexual misconduct to legal disputes over the unauthorized use of his identity. These developments have sparked widespread debate about the operations of spiritual organizations and the accountability of their leaders.The Times of India

Allegations of Sexual Misconduct at SadhguruJaggi Vasudev and Isha Foundation

A report by The Times brought to light disturbing allegations of sexual abuse at the Isha Yoga Center in southern India. A young American woman claimed she was repeatedly raped by a teacher while attending the Isha Home School. Despite reporting the abuse to Sadhguru, she alleged that no action was taken. The report also highlighted other instances of inappropriate conduct by staff and fellow students, suggesting a culture of denial and suppression within the organization. The Isha Foundation has denied these allegations, labeling them as false and defamatory, and has initiated legal action against the accusers.

Legal Proceedings and Court Interventions on Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev

In October 2024, the Supreme Court of India closed proceedings in a habeas corpus petition filed by a man who alleged that his two adult daughters were being held captive at the Isha Foundation’s ashram in Coimbatore. The court noted that both women were adults and had stated they were residing at the ashram voluntarily and without any coercion. The bench, led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, emphasized that the proceedings could not be used to malign individuals or institutions.

Earlier, the Supreme Court had transferred the case from the Madras High Court to itself and paused any police action against the Isha Foundation. The High Court had previously directed the Tamil Nadu government to submit details of all criminal cases registered against the foundation. The Supreme Court’s intervention was seen as a significant relief for Sadhguru and the Isha Foundation. India Today

Advocate Files Complaint Over Alleged Sexual Assault of Minors

In a separate development, advocate S. Vanchinathan filed a complaint at the Anna Nagar Police Station in Madurai, demanding action against the Isha Foundation and its founder Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev over alleged sexual assaults of minors at the institution. The complaint followed a press conference in Hyderabad where parents of minors spoke about the alleged abuse of their children at the foundation. The advocate emphasized that under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, failure to report such offences constitutes a crime. The Hindu

Delhi High Court Orders Removal of Misleading Content

On May 30, 2025, the Delhi High Court directed websites to remove content that misused Sadhguru’s name, image, or personality to sell products. The court’s decision aims to prevent the unauthorized use of Sadhguru’s identity in marketing or selling products, highlighting the importance of protecting personal identity and reputation in the digital space. The Times of India

Public Reaction and Ongoing Debates on Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev

The series of allegations and legal battles have sparked widespread discussions about the operations of spiritual organizations and the accountability of their leaders. While some supporters view the legal outcomes as vindication for Sadhguru and the Isha Foundation, critics argue that the allegations warrant thorough investigation and transparency.

As the situation continues to evolve, it underscores the need for robust mechanisms to address grievances and ensure the safety and well-being of individuals within such organizations. The balance between spiritual leadership and accountability remains a critical area for ongoing scrutiny and public discourse

Know more about Sadhguru :

Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev is an Indian yogi, mystic, and spiritual leader, widely known for founding the Isha Foundation, a non-profit organization offering yoga programs and social outreach initiatives worldwide. With a charismatic presence and deep knowledge of ancient yogic sciences, Sadhguru has gained global recognition for his teachings on inner well-being, mindfulness, and environmental consciousness. He is also a bestselling author and public speaker, having addressed audiences at forums like the United Nations and World Economic Forum. His initiatives such as Rally for Rivers and Save Soil aim to address urgent ecological issues.