An application has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking the strict implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act in religious institutions. Filed in connection with allegations against the Isha Foundation, the petition highlights the foundation’s non-compliance with the 2013 Act, urging the court to enforce this law across all religious organizations to protect women’s safety.
New Delhi: A fresh application has been filed in the Supreme Court, urging the strict implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013, in all religious institutions and functions. This application has brought to light concerns regarding compliance with the 2013 Act, especially in large organizations like spiritual institutions that attract significant numbers of people.
The application, submitted by the OBC Mahasabha and others, is linked to a case involving allegations against the Isha Foundation, a non-profit spiritual organization founded by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev. S. Kamaraj, a retired professor from Coimbatore, is one of the key figures in this case, claiming that his two well-educated daughters were being “brainwashed” by the spiritual leader.
Allegations Against Isha Foundation
The application, filed through advocate Varun Thakur, asserts that the Isha Foundation is not adhering to the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013. Despite its significant presence and the large gatherings it hosts for religious events, there appears to be no implementation of this law.
The 2013 Act mandates that any workplace, which includes religious institutions, must establish guidelines and mechanisms to prevent and address sexual harassment. According to the application, chapters VII and VIII of the Act require the state to enforce the law and ensure its widespread publicity in such places.
Criminal Allegations and Non-Compliance
The petitioner also highlighted a criminal case filed under the POCSO Act against a doctor associated with the Isha Foundation. The doctor allegedly molested 12 girls from an Adivasi Government School. This incident has raised serious concerns about the lack of safeguards against sexual harassment at the foundation.
The application asserts that the Isha Foundation has not complied with Section 4 of the 2013 Act, which calls for the constitution of an Internal Complaints Committee at every workplace. Despite employing thousands of male and female workers and hosting devotees who may stay for months or even years, there is no evidence of compliance with the law in the foundation’s infrastructure or on its official website.
Plea for Strict Enforcement in Religious Institutions
The petition seeks an order from the court directing the strict enforcement of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013, across all religious institutions, irrespective of the faith involved—be it Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Buddhist, Jain, or others. This highlights the petitioners’ broader concern for women’s safety and rights within religious spaces that often go overlooked.
Supreme Court’s Intervention
The Supreme Court has taken notice of the issue, issuing orders on October 3 restraining the Tamil Nadu police from taking further action against the Isha Foundation based on earlier directions from the Madras High Court. The apex court has also transferred to itself a habeas corpus petition, in which the High Court had passed the order and had asked the police to submit a status report.
This order by the Supreme Court came after the Isha Foundation pleaded that around 150 police officers had entered their ashram to investigate, following instructions from the High Court.
High Court’s Involvement and Allegations by Kamaraj
Earlier, the Madras High Court, on September 30, sought a detailed report from the police on all criminal cases registered against the foundation. This was prompted by a habeas corpus petition filed by S. Kamaraj, who alleged that his daughters were being held captive and brainwashed at the Isha Yoga Centre.
While Kamaraj’s daughters appeared before the High Court and stated that they were staying at the ashram voluntarily, the High Court noted that there were serious allegations against the institution and asked for further details on the criminal cases.
Conclusion
The application filed in the Supreme Court reflects the growing concern about the lack of compliance with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013, in religious institutions. The petition underscores the need for strict enforcement of women’s safety laws in such places, especially when large crowds and vulnerable individuals, such as young devotees and workers, are involved. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how religious organizations are held accountable under Indian law.
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