TN Police Closes Case Against Sadhguru & Isha Foundation

Shyam Meera Singh’s Allegations Declared Baseless by Authorities

Coimbatore, July 1, 2025 – In a significant development, the Tamil Nadu Police have officially closed a case against spiritual leader Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev and his Isha Foundation, declaring allegations made by YouTuber Shyam Meera Singh as baseless. This follows a Delhi High Court ruling earlier this year that labeled Singh’s claims as “false, reckless, and defamatory,” marking another failed attempt to tarnish the reputation of one of India’s most revered spiritual institutions. The closure of the case is a decisive victory for Sadhguru and the Isha Foundation, reinforcing their commitment to spiritual and social service while exposing the malicious intent behind unfounded propaganda.

This article delves into the details of the case, the investigation, the court’s findings, and the broader implications for the Isha Foundation and its global community of followers. Stay with Hindu Tone for a comprehensive analysis of this landmark development.

Background of the Allegations

In February 2024, YouTuber Shyam Meera Singh uploaded a video titled “Sadhguru EXPOSED: What’s Happening in Jaggi Vasudev’s Ashram” to his YouTube channel, which garnered significant attention with 937,000 views, 65,000 likes, and 13,000 comments by March 2025. The video, also shared on Singh’s X handle, alleged serious misconduct at the Isha Foundation’s ashram, including claims of sexual abuse of minor girls at the Isha Home School and Isha Samskriti in Coimbatore. Singh claimed his information came from parents of former students and unnamed ex-employees, presenting graphic descriptions of alleged mistreatment during initiation rituals.

These allegations sparked a complaint filed with the Perur Police Station in Coimbatore, prompting an investigation under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Indian Penal Code. The claims also led to significant public attention, raising concerns about the credibility of the accusations and their impact on the Isha Foundation’s reputation.

Tamil Nadu Police Investigation and Closure

Following the complaint, the Perur Police Station conducted a thorough investigation into the allegations. The investigative team interviewed 61 students at the Isha Home School and Isha Samskriti, along with teachers, staff, and other relevant individuals. After an exhaustive probe, the police found no evidence to substantiate the claims of sexual abuse or misconduct. The Tamil Nadu Police’s cyber wing further confirmed that emails cited as “proof” by Singh showed no login activity, indicating they were fabricated.

On July 1, 2025, the Perur Police filed a closure report, officially declaring the allegations baseless. This closure aligns with the findings of the Supreme Court in October 2024, which dismissed a separate petition accusing the Isha Foundation of holding two women against their will. The court emphasized that it could not malign an institution based on unverified claims, noting that the women confirmed their voluntary stay at the ashram.

The closure of the case is a significant vindication for Sadhguru and the Isha Foundation, which have faced repeated attempts to undermine their work. Maa Mathi, an Isha Foundation monk, described the outcome as “the victory of good over evil,” highlighting the organization’s resilience in the face of targeted attacks.

Delhi High Court’s Ruling on Defamation

Parallel to the police investigation, the Isha Foundation pursued legal action against Shyam Meera Singh for defamation. In March 2025, the Delhi High Court, under Justice Subramonium Prasad, ordered the removal of Singh’s YouTube video and related content from platforms like Google, X, and Meta, citing its “false, reckless, baseless, and per se defamatory” nature. The court noted that the video’s “clickbait” title and unverified claims were designed to sensationalize and harm the Isha Foundation’s reputation, which has millions of followers worldwide.

The court’s interim order restrained Singh from further publishing the allegations and directed social media platforms to remove the content. Justice Prasad emphasized that the continuous circulation of the video, which had garnered nearly a million views, posed a significant threat to the trust’s dignity and reputation. The Isha Foundation sought ₹3 crore in damages, arguing that Singh’s objective was to gain unprecedented views by sensationalizing a non-issue.

By May 2025, Singh’s counsel informed the Delhi High Court, presided over by Justice Jyoti Singh, that the video had been taken down in compliance with the court’s directive. The court granted Singh time to file a response to the defamation suit, with the next hearing scheduled for later in 2025.

In a separate but related development, the Delhi High Court in May and June 2025 issued orders protecting Sadhguru’s personality rights, addressing the misuse of his name, image, and likeness in AI-generated content, fake videos, and misleading advertisements. The court directed the suspension of accounts and the takedown of YouTube channels infringing on Sadhguru’s rights, further underscoring the judiciary’s commitment to curbing malicious campaigns against the spiritual leader.

Isha Foundation’s Response

The Isha Foundation has consistently denied the allegations, labeling them as “false, malicious, and defamatory.” In a press release issued in April 2025, the foundation clarified that a related incident from 2019 had already been investigated and dismissed. The organization has accused detractors of orchestrating a deliberate campaign to malign its spiritual practices and Sanatana Dharma, a sentiment echoed in their statement on X: “We welcome the Hon’ble Delhi High Court’s order that has directed the removal of a malicious video loaded with fabricated content, which was intended not only to malign the sacredness of spiritual processes offered by Isha Foundation but is also a deliberate attempt to defame Sanatana Dharma by attacking its sacred practices and traditions.”

The foundation has also taken legal action against other entities, including the Tamil media outlet Nakkheeran, for publishing allegedly defamatory content. In its lawsuits, the Isha Foundation has sought to protect its reputation and the sanctity of its work, which includes yoga programs, environmental initiatives like Cauvery Calling, and educational efforts through its schools.

Broader Implications

The closure of the case and the Delhi High Court’s rulings have far-reaching implications for the Isha Foundation, its followers, and the broader discourse on freedom of speech versus responsible journalism. The episode highlights several key issues:

1. Misuse of Social Media and Clickbait Culture

Shyam Meera Singh’s video, with its sensational title and unverified claims, exemplifies the dangers of clickbait-driven content. The Delhi High Court’s observation that Singh relied on “entirely unverified material” underscores the need for accountability in digital media, where misinformation can spread rapidly and cause irreparable harm. The video’s massive viewership—nearly a million views—demonstrates the power of social media to amplify falsehoods, necessitating stricter oversight by platforms like YouTube, X, and Meta.

2. Targeted Attacks on Spiritual Institutions

The Isha Foundation’s legal battles reflect a broader pattern of targeted attacks against spiritual and religious institutions in India, particularly those rooted in Sanatana Dharma. Posts on X suggest that Sadhguru’s prominence and the Isha Foundation’s efforts in spirituality, education, and environmental conservation make them a target for groups opposed to their influence, including those allegedly promoting conversion agendas. The dismissal of 14 out of 15 cases against the foundation, as noted in an X post, reinforces the perception that these allegations are part of a concerted effort to discredit Sadhguru’s work.

3. Judicial Protection of Reputation

The Delhi High Court’s proactive stance in protecting the Isha Foundation’s reputation and Sadhguru’s personality rights sets a precedent for addressing defamation and misuse of digital platforms. The court’s orders to remove content and suspend infringing accounts demonstrate the judiciary’s role in balancing free speech with the right to dignity and reputation, especially for public figures and institutions with significant social impact.

4. Strengthening Faith in Isha Foundation

The closure of the case and the court’s rulings have bolstered the confidence of Isha Foundation’s followers, who view these outcomes as a triumph of truth over falsehood. Social media sentiment, as seen in posts on X, reflects strong support for Sadhguru, with users celebrating the dismissal of “fake cases” and praising the foundation’s contributions to spirituality and social service. The Supreme Court’s earlier dismissal of a petition against the foundation further reinforces its credibility.

Sadhguru and Isha Foundation: A Legacy of Impact

Founded by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, the Isha Foundation is a globally recognized non-profit organization dedicated to human well-being through yoga, meditation, and environmental initiatives. With millions of followers worldwide, Sadhguru is revered for his teachings on inner transformation and his efforts to promote sustainable development. The foundation’s initiatives, such as Inner Engineering, Cauvery Calling, and Save Soil, have garnered international acclaim, including recognition from global leaders and institutions.

The Isha Home School and Isha Samskriti, where the allegations were centered, are integral to the foundation’s mission of holistic education rooted in Indian culture and values. The Tamil Nadu Police’s findings that no misconduct occurred at these institutions affirm their commitment to ethical practices and student welfare.

Challenges Ahead

While the closure of the case is a victory, the Isha Foundation continues to face challenges in combating misinformation and protecting its reputation. The rise of AI-generated content, as addressed in the Delhi High Court’s May and June 2025 orders, poses a new threat, with fake videos and images depicting events like Sadhguru’s arrest circulating online. The foundation’s proactive approach in seeking legal recourse and collaborating with authorities to remove such content is a step toward addressing these challenges.

Additionally, the case highlights the need for stricter regulations on social media platforms to prevent the spread of defamatory and unverified content. The Isha Foundation’s call for accountability from intermediaries like Google, X, and Meta aligns with broader global discussions on digital responsibility.

Conclusion

The Tamil Nadu Police’s closure of the case against Sadhguru and the Isha Foundation, coupled with the Delhi High Court’s earlier rulings, marks a significant victory against baseless allegations and malicious propaganda. Shyam Meera Singh’s claims, declared “false, reckless, and defamatory,” have been thoroughly debunked, reinforcing the Isha Foundation’s reputation as a beacon of spirituality and social good. The judiciary’s swift action in protecting the foundation’s dignity and Sadhguru’s personality rights sets a strong precedent for addressing defamation in the digital age.

As India navigates the complexities of free speech, misinformation, and religious freedom, the Isha Foundation’s resilience in the face of adversity serves as an inspiration. Hindu Tone remains committed to bringing you the latest updates on this story and other developments shaping India’s spiritual and cultural landscape.