The Isha Foundation has locked horns with Tamil media outlet Nakkheeran over allegations of defamatory videos. On one side of this case is spiritual leader Jaggi Vasudev and his Isha Foundation. The other side has journalist Gopal and his Tamil media outlet. The case sparks intense public interest and polarized opinions. While the Isha Foundation seeks justice, accusing Nakkheeran of baseless slander, the media outlet counters with claims of political suppression and defamation in return. Let’s talk!
Isha Foundation and Nakkeeran – A Legal Tug-of-War
The controversy escalated when the Isha Foundation filed a suit in the Delhi HC against Nakkheeran. The foundation seeks ₹3 crore in damages. Isha alleges that Gopal and his outlet spread falsehoods. Nakkeeran’s videos and write-ups talk of sensational claims of sexual misconduct during yoga sessions at the Isha Foundation.
They Wants to Destroy the Destroyer 🙂 Enough is Enough! Time to Respond…
Isha Foundation Moves Delhi High Court With ₹3 Crore Defamation Suit Against Nakkheeran#Sadhguru #News #IshaFoundation pic.twitter.com/mKKjWSucKy
— This is Last Time SG (@LastTimeSG) December 3, 2024
Google LLC, which hosts Nakkeeran’s contentious content on YouTube, is also named in the suit by Isha Foundation.
Reportedly, Justice Subramonium Prasad has scheduled the matter for April 2025. Notably, Isha Foundation chose not to pursue an interim injunction, indicating a preference for a thorough legal examination. Meanwhile, Gopal and Nakkeeran hit back with their own legal notice, demanding ₹1.5 crore in damages. They accuse Isha of maligning his reputation and silencing critical journalism.
The Left-Liberal Nexus: A Persistent Isha Foundation Critic?
Another fake case against #Sadhguru falls.
Madras high court dismisses frivolous, targeted PIL asking govt to take back Padma Vibhushan conferred on him for spirituality and social service.
Relentless targeting because Isha Foundation’s work stands in the way of conversions. pic.twitter.com/g1mp466GbO— Abhijit Majumder (@abhijitmajumder) November 7, 2024
The Isha Foundation has grown exponentially under Sadhguru‘s leadership. However, it continues to long face scrutiny from the Left-Liberal ecosystem. Critics accuse the foundation of environmental violations and unchecked expansion. They even tried to falsely showcase that the foundation was holding women against their will. Contrarily, supporters argue that Isha Foundation has made spiritual practices accessible and relevant to modern life.
. @SadhguruJV ji’s @ishafoundation ‘s contribution to our civilisational cause has been immense. Yet in the last few years, they have been facing unnecessary hostility from Sanatan-hating vested political groups. More so, with Sadguru himself recuperating in the US after a brain… pic.twitter.com/9NhhgEFTwz
— Tuhin A. Sinha तुहिन सिन्हा (@tuhins) November 3, 2024
In Tamil Nadu, where Nakkheeran operates, this ideological divide often takes a harsher turn as political motivations fuel attacks on Isha’s reputation.
Nakkheeran’s accusations against the Isha Foundation range from financial misconduct to inappropriate behavior with women during yoga classes. These claims were dismissed by the foundation as “yellow journalism” aimed at extortion. They alleged the use of selectively edited videos and fabricated narratives. Thereby, raising questions about journalistic ethics followed by Nakkeeran and their editor Gopal.
Misuse of Media or Freedom of Speech?
At the heart of this legal battle lies a larger issue: the use of media by powerful institutions to fight political and personal battles.
This makes the media a powerful weapon with immense potential for misuse. Nakkeeran and Gopal’s claims, including supposed video evidence, appear more designed for sensational headlines than legal scrutiny. If edited content and unverifiable sources are their only backup, then he rightly faces a defamation case.
This conflict also highlights the blurred lines in Tamil Nadu’s media ecosystem. Critics state that the Dravidian think tanks use outlets like Nakkheeran. Thereafter, they together exploit anti-Hindu rhetoric to target groups like the Isha Foundation. This Hindu hatred often takes the disguise of “investigative reporting” and “fact-checking”. While freedom of speech remains sacrosanct, the courts must now decide whether these allegations are valid concerns or just manufactured controversies.
What Lies Ahead?
The outcome of this legal battle could have significant implications for both sides. For the Isha Foundation, a victory would strengthen its global standing and provide a precedent against defamatory campaigns. For Gopal, the case is a test of his journalistic credibility.
Either way, the ability to speak against a popular foundation shows that Freedom of Press is not dead in Bharat, despite what the Le-Li toolkit says!
Beyond individual stakes, this upcoming fight is between showcasing how deep Hindu hatred seeps into Dravidian media. As the case unfolds, one thing is clear: the court’s decision will resonate far beyond the walls of the ashram or the newsroom.