Introduction:

The Gujarat High Court recently dismissed a plea filed by the father of two daughters, accusing self-styled Godman Swami Nithyananda of holding them in unlawful confinement. The matter arose in 2019 when the parents sought legal intervention to reunite with their daughters allegedly confined at Nithyananda’s ashram. However, during the hearing, the Court found the daughters’ communication indicating their free will and contentment with their spiritual path, leading to the dismissal of the petition.

Arguments:

The father alleged that his daughters were unlawfully confined at Swami Nithyananda’s ashram, seeking their release. Conversely, the communication from the daughters revealed they were residing at the ashram willingly and following a spiritual path. The father’s advocate raised objections about the virtual interaction’s authenticity, but the Court, after interviewing the daughters, concluded they were mature adults capable of deciding their well-being.

Court’s Judgement:

Justice Kogje, satisfied with the daughters’ situation, dismissed the plea, stating they appeared content and were mature enough to understand their circumstances. The Court emphasized the importance of preserving spiritual paths, concluding that the daughters were not under duress or influence. Additionally, it directed the registry to preserve the virtual interaction as part of the case record.