October 3, 2024: In a significant ruling on Thursday, the Supreme Court of India stayed a Madras High Court order requiring the Tamil Nadu Police to provide a report on all criminal cases against Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev's Isha Foundation. The decision came after a request for urgent hearing by senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing the foundation, which was supported by the Centre.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta criticized the High Court's decision, suggesting that it should have approached the matter with greater caution. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, who led the bench alongside Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, emphasized the gravity of the situation, which touches upon issues of religious freedom and the significant following of Sadhguru.

Additionally, the Supreme Court took over a habeas corpus petition concerning allegations of the forced detention of two young women by the foundation. The bench conducted private video conferencing with the women, where one claimed to have faced harassment from their father for eight years.

CJI Chandrachud remarked on the seriousness of the case, stating, “These are issues of religious freedom. The High Court cannot initiate such inquiries based solely on oral assertions.” The court has now instructed the Tamil Nadu Police to refrain from further action as directed by the High Court and to submit a status report directly to the Supreme Court.