The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed against Adhyatmik Vishva Vidyalaya, a spiritual organization headed by Virender Dev Dikshit, over allegations of illegal activities including the exploitation and confinement of women.
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Who Filed the PIL?
The petition was filed by Dogra Sangthan, a Jammu-based NGO, through its president Amit Kapoor. The PIL made several serious allegations such as:
- Illegal confinement of women.
- Brainwashing female devotees.
- Poor living conditions in the ashrams.
- Promoting the spiritual leader as an incarnation of Lord Krishna.
- Alleged involvement in prostitution.
What Did the Petitioner Request?
The petitioner sought:
- A court-monitored investigation.
- Inspection of the ashram centres.
- Release of women inmates.
- Sealing of the centres run by the organization.
What Did the Court Do Initially?
Taking the allegations seriously, the High Court earlier in 2018 set up a committee to investigate. The committee included:
- Seema Shekhar, Senior Additional Advocate General.
- Dr. Kavita Suri, Member of the State Women Commission.
- SSP Rajesh Sharma, Senior Superintendent of Police.
The team visited two centres at Bhagwati Nagar and Dayalachak.
What Were the Findings of the 2018 Committee?
- At Bhagwati Nagar, neighbors had closed their windows facing the ashram. However, the reason for this was not elaborated.
- At Dayalachak, the inmates gave evasive answers during interactions. Although the environment raised suspicion, the committee could not submit any concrete proof of illegal activity.
What Happened Later in 2023?
In 2023, a fresh inspection was carried out by Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar, who personally visited both centres.
Findings from the 2023 inspection:
- One centre had been vacated since 2022.
- The landlord confirmed that the premises were earlier leased to the ashram but had been taken back by the family.
- The other centre was functioning properly.
- Interviews with locals, inmates, and the Sarpanch showed:
- No complaints from the residents.
- The premises were clean and well-maintained.
- Four women were residing there, two of whom were married and all were staying voluntarily.
“In the face of the statement that one of the centres is already closed and the inmates of the other centre and their parents are happy with their stay for spiritual attainment and guidance, it appears no further proceedings are required to be carried out in this Public Interest Litigation…” – J&K High Court Bench
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What Did the Court Observe?
The bench, comprising Chief Justice Tashi Rabstan and Justice M.A. Chowdhary, found that:
- The petition lacked substantial evidence.
- The claims seemed motivated and possibly influenced by rival spiritual groups.
- The PIL may have been filed to defame the respondent spiritual organization.
“…especially when serious allegations have been raised by the respondent-Adhyatmik Vidyalaya against some other organization to have sponsored litigation to defame the respondent.” – High Court Order
- The Court declared that the PIL had no merit.
- It was dismissed.
- The petition was termed devoid of substance and evidence.
Case Title: Dogra Sangathan Vs State of J&K
