Madras High Court Dismisses Plea Challenging Conferment Of Padma Vibhushan On Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev

The bench of Chief Justice KR Shriram and Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy dismissed the plea noting that the court was satisfied that the norms for conferment of award was adhered to and thus the relief as sought for could not be granted.

Previously, the court had also expressed its doubts regarding the maintainability of the plea and had remarked that conferment of Padma award might not be within the scope of judicial review.

The petitioner had approached the court claiming that the award be revoked in light of the multiple criminal charges and court cases being faced by Jaggi Vasudev and his foundation. It was argued that the Padma Vibhushan, being the highest civilian honour in the country was awarded to persons with exceptional and distinguished service.

It was contended that the Centre had failed to take note of the fact that Vasudev was not a law abiding citizen and that there were multiple cases pending against Vasudev and his institution. He pointed out to the recent allegations of unauthorised constructions being carried out by the foundation. He also bought to the court's attention the recent habeas corpus petition filed by the father of two women who were volunteering in the foundation claiming that they were being brainwashed and forced to take up monkhood.

The petitioner also contended that the country's prestige was at stake when the award was being conferred to CVasudev who still continued to engage in such unlawful activities.

Additional Solicitor General ARL Sundaresan, however, submitted that the award was conferred on Vasudev after following due norms. He submitted that at the time of considering his name for the award, the Centre had not received any adverse inputs from the intelligence agencies.

After hearing the parties, the court remarked that it was satisfies with respect to adherence of norms while conferring the award and was thus not inclined to grant the relief prayed for. The court thus dismissed the plea.

Order Awaited

Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Mad) 425

Case Title: M Vetri Selvan v Union of India and Another

Case No: WP 4632 of 2017