Delhi High Court Orders Nakkheeran to Remove Defamatory Content Against Isha Foundation

The Delhi High Court has issued an interim order directing Tamil magazine Nakkheeran to remove defamatory content published against Jaggi Vasudev’s Isha Foundation. The ruling came on Thursday, March 19, 2026, following a suit filed by Isha Foundation seeking ₹3 crore in damages from the magazine and its editor, Gopal, for allegedly posting defamatory material. Justice Subramonium Prasad delivered the order in favor of Isha Foundation.

Background of the Case

Isha Foundation contended that Nakkheeran published critical reports alleging misconduct within the Foundation, including claims of exploitation, brainwashing, and illegal activities. These reports suggested individuals were held against their will or coerced into certain actions. The foundation also included Google LLC as a party in the suit, citing the presence of defamatory materials on Google search results and videos on YouTube.

Supreme Court Ruling on Allegations

The legal battle stems from earlier allegations concerning individuals residing at the Isha Yoga Centre. On October 18, 2024, the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud and Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, dismissed a habeas corpus petition filed by a father alleging his two daughters, aged 42 and 39, had been “brainwashed” by the Foundation. The Court affirmed that both women were adults residing at the Isha Foundation of their own free will.

Chief Justice Chandrachud stated that the Court had spoken with both women and recorded their statements, confirming they were living there voluntarily. He emphasized that the Court could not compel individuals to live a life they did not choose, particularly when they were adults capable of independent decision-making. The Hindu reported on this ruling.

Earlier Madras High Court Involvement

The issue initially arose after the Madras High Court directed the Tamil Nadu government to submit details of all criminal cases registered against the Isha Foundation. However, the Supreme Court’s subsequent ruling underscored the importance of personal freedom and the limits of parental control over adult children. Isha Foundation’s blog details the Supreme Court’s dismissal of the allegations.

High Court Rejects Nakkheeran’s Application

In the current Delhi High Court proceedings, Justice Subramonium Prasad also rejected an application filed by Nakkheeran under Order 7 Rule 11 of the Code of Civil Procedure (CPC) seeking rejection of Isha Foundation’s suit. Bar and Bench provides further details on the High Court’s decision.

Ongoing Investigations

Despite the Supreme Court’s dismissal of the habeas corpus petition, the Court clarified that its order would not impede any ongoing police investigations into other matters related to the Isha Foundation. The Economic Times reported on the Supreme Court’s upholding of personal freedom in relation to the case.