The Isha Foundation led by Jaggi Vasudev has filed a defamation suit against the Tamil media outlet Nakkheeran, accusing it of publishing allegedly defamatory videos. In the plea submitted before the Delhi High Court on Monday, December 2, Jaggi Vasudev sought the removal of the videos and demanded Rs 3 crores as damages. He also added Google as a respondent to the case because the videos and reports are available on Google and YouTube.
Bar and Bench reported that Isha Foundation claimed Nakkheeran published content that was critical of it. “These reports allege various forms of misconduct within the Foundation, including claims of exploitation, brainwashing, and illegal activities. Such allegations suggest that individuals at the Foundation are held against their will or coerced into certain actions,” the report said.
It added that the defendants have been notified and the case posted for hearing in April 2025.
Nakkheeran had released a series of videos featuring its editor, Nakkheeran Gopal, discussing allegations surrounding the mistreatment of children at Isha. TNM, in its newsletter Powertrip, had earlier reported that Gopal had sent a legal notice to Isha Foundation and Jaggi Vasudev, accusing them of defaming Nakkheeran. He had alleged that Isha is frustrated that all its efforts to prevent Gopal from publishing further articles have failed.
Gopal also alleged that Isha hired politicians and media organisations to malign him. He claimed that Isha, in its response to the allegations, branded Nakkheeran a “yellow magazine” that engages in extortion, alleging that the magazine’s articles were in retaliation for not being paid kickbacks. In response, Nakkheeran demanded Rs 1.5 crore in damages from Isha Foundation.
Newslaundry has reported in-depth on the various allegations against the Isha Foundation. Read our series here. And click here to support our work, and help us tell stories in public interest.
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