Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev.
The Madras High Court dismissed the petition against the Padma Vibhushan Award awarded to Sadhguru. The petition alleged that there were irregularities in the process of awarding Padma Shri to Sadhguru. But the court dismissed the petition saying it was motivated by personal gain and said the petitioner was targeting individuals and the petition was not in public interest.
The Solicitor General, appearing for the central government, told the court that Sadhguru’s decades of good work have been recognized and he has gone through all necessary procedures to be nominated for the Padma Shri. No negative information or complaints were found about the award.
What did the Deputy Attorney General say?
The Solicitor General further said that the so-called PIL was filed by an organization that has frequently filed petitions against Isha Foundation in many cases. He also said that in an earlier case filed by the same organization against the Isha Foundation, the High Court had said that their objectives could be personal gain.
The Isha Foundation welcomed the High Court’s decision, saying it further enhances the transparency of the adjudication process and demonstrates their commitment to the public interest. Beyond that, the foundation said it will continue to work for the public good despite such attacks.
The Supreme Court also dismissed a petition
Last month, the Supreme Court had also dismissed another petition filed by retired professor Dr SS. Kamaraj claimed that his two daughters, one aged 42 and the other 39, were living at the Isha Foundation against his wishes.
However, the Supreme Court rejected this claim and clarified that both women stayed at Isha Foundation voluntarily and without any pressure. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud said during the hearing that the purpose of such acts should not be to defame institutions and individuals.
