The Isha Foundation, led by spiritual leader Sadhguru (Jaggi Vasudev), is widely recognized for its global outreach in promoting yoga, spirituality, and environmental activism. However, in recent years, the foundation has also faced mounting legal and environmental controversies. In October 2024, the foundation found itself under increased scrutiny when a large-scale police raid was conducted at its Coimbatore ashram. This raid, combined with ongoing legal battles, has placed the Isha Foundation at the center of national attention. Here, we take a closer look at the foundation’s financial standing, the controversies surrounding it, and the recent police action.
Isha Foundation Net Worth
Though the Isha Foundation operates as a non-profit organization, its global reach and various initiatives have significantly contributed to its financial standing. According to estimates, the foundation manages assets worth millions of dollars, with its net worth in 2024 reported to be around INR 1,000 crore (approximately $130 million). Much of the foundation’s revenue comes from its yoga programs, donations, and the sale of spiritual merchandise. Additionally, the Isha Yoga Center near Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, and the iconic Adiyogi statue are major contributors to the foundation’s income through tourism and wellness programs.
Current Controversy and Legal Battles
The Isha Foundation has been no stranger to controversies, and recent events have only intensified scrutiny. One of the primary accusations leveled against the foundation revolves around alleged violations of environmental laws, particularly related to land encroachments in the Thondamuthur region, where the ashram is located. Environmental activists have accused the foundation of illegally expanding its operations on protected forest land and neglecting proper environmental guidelines during construction.
The foundation has consistently denied these claims, asserting that all of its projects are carried out within legal frameworks and that its initiatives, such as the Rally for Rivers and Cauvery Calling campaigns, aim to support environmental sustainability. Nonetheless, these allegations have sparked public and legal debate, leading to a series of legal battles
The October 2024 Raid
The most recent development came on October 1, 2024, when a team of 150 police officers conducted a comprehensive search of the Isha Yoga Center in Coimbatore. The police raid followed a directive from the Madras High Court, which ordered authorities to investigate all cases filed against the foundation as part of an ongoing inquiry. The court’s order came after allegations surfaced regarding violations of human rights, particularly in relation to two women allegedly being held against their will at the ashram
The raid involved questioning residents, verifying identification details, and searching various parts of the ashram. While no arrests were made, and no incriminating evidence was found during the search, the raid raised concerns about the foundation’s internal operations. According to law enforcement, the raid was a procedural inquiry rather than a targeted action against the foundation’s religious activities
Allegations of Human Rights Violations
The recent raid stems from a habeas corpus petition filed by a retired professor, Dr. S. Kamaraj, who claimed that his daughters were being held at the Isha Foundation against their will. The two women, both highly educated, had reportedly renounced worldly life and taken vows of monkhood, which led their father to believe that they were brainwashed. The court took note of this claim, initiating a legal inquiry into the foundation’s operations and practices
In response, the Isha Foundation has maintained that the women, who are both adults, chose to follow a spiritual path voluntarily. The women themselves appeared in court and confirmed that they were not being coerced, asserting that they stayed at the ashram of their own free will. Despite this, the court has continued to question some of the practices encouraged by the foundation, particularly regarding young women’s decisions to embrace monkhood
Environmental Concerns
In addition to the human rights allegations, the Isha Foundation has been under fire for alleged environmental violations. Critics argue that the foundation’s construction activities, particularly in sensitive ecological areas near the Western Ghats, have led to significant environmental damage. Activists claim that the foundation has expanded its projects without adhering to environmental regulations, impacting the local ecosystem.
While the foundation has denied these accusations, asserting that it operates within legal bounds, the Madras High Court’s investigation aims to shed light on these allegations. Environmental groups have welcomed the raid as a step toward holding the foundation accountable for its actions
Isha Foundation’s Response
Throughout these controversies, the Isha Foundation has remained steadfast in its defense. In an official statement, the foundation described the police raid as a routine inquiry and emphasized that the ashram’s operations were unaffected. The statement reassured followers that no illegal activities were discovered during the search and reiterated the foundation’s commitment to transparency and compliance with the law
Supporters of the foundation have voiced their concerns, viewing the raid as an attempt to discredit the organization. Many have taken to social media to express solidarity with Sadhguru and the Isha Foundation, defending its environmental efforts and its work in promoting yoga and spirituality.
Conclusion
The Isha Foundation, under the leadership of Sadhguru, has become one of the most prominent spiritual organizations in the world, with millions of followers and a robust financial portfolio. However, the foundation’s rapid expansion has attracted legal and environmental scrutiny, leading to the recent raid at its Coimbatore ashram. As the investigation continues, the foundation faces mounting pressure to address concerns related to human rights and environmental compliance.
Despite the controversies, the Isha Foundation remains a powerful force in the realms of spirituality, environmental activism, and social outreach. How it navigates these legal challenges will play a crucial role in shaping its future reputation and operations.
