Court Directs Police to Investigate Alleged Mismanagement and Missing Person Case Linked to Adhyatmik Vidhyalya
The Delhi High Court has issued a directive to the Station House Officer (SHO) of Vijay Vihar Police Station to investigate the circumstances surrounding a missing person case connected to a spiritual ashram, Adhyatmik Vidhyalya, in Rohini, New Delhi. The court's decision comes after a writ petition filed by the parents of the alleged missing individual, identified as Respondent No. 4 in the case, seeking her immediate release from the ashram's custody.
The bench, comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia, emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the functioning of the ashram, especially given the allegations of mismanagement and unclear financial practices. The court expressed concerns about the management of the ashram and the sources of its funding, given that the founder and spiritual head, who was facing a criminal trial, is now deceased.
During the hearing, it was revealed that while Respondent No. 4 is not currently residing at the ashram, her belongings remain there. The court took note of the testimonies of two women, followers of the spiritual order, who were present in court. One of them, Ms. Pragati, mentioned her recent visit to the Rohini ashram, while the other, Ms. Shyam Lata, confirmed her association with the spiritual order but not residency in any ashram.
The court directed that a missing person case be registered and that an inquiry be conducted to determine the current whereabouts of Respondent No. 4. The SHO is required to submit a report of the investigation to the court by the next hearing date, set for August 31, 2026. Furthermore, the court requested the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) to assist in the inquiry.
The case highlights the court's commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in spiritual organizations, especially those associated with allegations of misconduct. The court's decision underscores the importance of investigating the internal affairs of such organizations when linked to missing persons and financial irregularities.
Bottom Line :
Investigation into the functioning of spiritual ashrams is necessary when allegations of missing persons and unclear management of funds arise.
Statutory provision(s):
Constitution of India, 1950 Article 226, Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 Section 154
Dumpala Meenavathi v. Union of India, (Delhi)(DB) : Law Finder Doc id # 2967178
