Isha Foundation has approached the Supreme Court seeking a ban on alleged defamatory content by Nakkheeran Publications. The case raises critical questions about press freedom vs reputation rights.
New Delhi: Today, on July 16, A serious legal battle between the well-known spiritual organization Isha Foundation, led by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, and Tamil media company Nakkheeran Publications has now reached the doors of the Supreme Court of India.
Isha Foundation has claimed that Nakkheeran has been spreading “malicious and defamatory” content through its digital platforms, and the Foundation wants the top court to stop the media outlet from publishing or sharing any more such content until their ongoing defamation case is decided.
This issue began several months ago when Nakkheeran’s editor, Gopal, released a series of reports and videos on social media that accused Isha Foundation of doing wrong things.
The Foundation says these videos and posts had serious but unproven allegations, including the mistreatment of children and illegal activities happening inside the Isha premises.
These videos had titles like
“Sadhguru EXPOSED” and went viral on platforms like YouTube, gaining hundreds of thousands of views. According to Isha Foundation, this content was made with the intention to “provoke public outrage and damage its reputation,”
especially on social media.
Due to the serious nature of the videos, in December 2024, Isha Foundation filed a civil defamation case in the Delhi High Court.
They asked for Rs 3 crore as compensation for the harm done to their name. They also requested the court to order YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook to remove the videos.
In March 2025, the Delhi High Court gave a big order. The judge said that the content shared by Nakkheeran
“prima facie appears to be defamatory.”
This means that, at first glance, the videos seemed damaging and hurtful to the Foundation’s image. The court then ordered that the specific videos should be taken down. The court also told social media platforms not to allow reposts or new uploads of the same videos.
However, Isha Foundation now says that the videos and similar content are still being shared and discussed online.
So, they have gone to the Supreme Court, saying that their name is still being harmed. They are requesting stronger and immediate protection.
In their petition to the Supreme Court, Isha Foundation is asking for three main things. First, they want a complete ban on Nakkheeran Publications and all their connected digital platforms from sharing or posting any more content related to Isha Foundation until the High Court gives its final decision.
Second, they want the Supreme Court to make stricter rules for social media platforms to follow takedown orders more quickly and responsibly.
Third, they want the court to recognize their right to be protected against what they call
“motivated media attacks” that have “no factual backing.”
At the same time, Nakkheeran Publications has strongly defended itself. They say that what they are doing is proper journalism and is meant to serve the public.
They have said that they are not defaming anyone, but simply exposing things that the public has a right to know.
In their own words, they have called the videos and reports
“investigative journalism in the public interest.”
They also say that Isha Foundation is trying to use the legal system to “silence critique.”
Not just that, Nakkheeran has hit back with a Rs 1.5 crore counterclaim, saying that Isha Foundation is harassing them and trying to shut down free press through wrongful legal action.
They say they are facing
“harassment and wrongful censorship.”
Now, the Supreme Court is expected to decide on the next step. But the issue is not only about these particular videos or the money involved.
It brings up a much bigger question – where do we draw the line between freedom of the press and protection of reputation?
In today’s time, especially with social media where videos and posts can go viral in minutes, this case could set a major precedent.
If the Supreme Court allows such preemptive censorship, then other groups – including religious institutions, corporations, or powerful individuals – may also try to stop media stories by getting quick court orders. That’s why many legal experts and media professionals are watching this case closely.
To sum up, Isha Foundation is asking for legal protection and content restrictions, claiming that the videos are false and made to spoil their name.
Nakkheeran is saying that it is their right as a media house to investigate and report in the interest of the public.
The Supreme Court will now have to balance both sides – freedom of the press and the right to protect one’s reputation.
CASE TITLE:
Isha Foundation vs. Nakkheeran Publications & Ors.
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