New Delhi: The Supreme Court has ordered a Special Investigation Team probe into allegations of illegal sale of properties belonging to the “Spiritual Regeneration Movement Foundation of India”, a society founded under the guidance of spiritual leader Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. The apex court said the matter involves not just a property dispute but concerns the alleged misuse of assets meant for public welfare, requiring a comprehensive and impartial investigation.
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Factional Dispute Over Society Assets Under Scrutiny
A Bench of Justice J.K. Maheshwari and Justice A.S. Chandurkar observed that the society was created for the larger public good, but after the death of its founder, internal factions emerged, leading to disputes over control and management. The Court noted that these disputes allegedly resulted in the commercial exploitation and questionable sale of valuable properties, which was contrary to the original intent of the organisation.
The case originated from allegations that rival groups within the society began asserting control over its administration and assets following Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s death. One faction alleged that members of the opposing group had sold land belonging to the society across multiple states using forged documents. Several FIRs were already registered in different jurisdictions in connection with these allegations.
One of the FIRs registered at Noida Sector 39 police station alleged that society land had been illegally transferred to a private company without proper authorization. The complaint named individuals including G. Ram Chandramohan, Akash Malviya, and Pradeep Singh. Subsequently, one of the accused, also stated to be a director of the company involved, approached the Allahabad High Court seeking quashing of the FIR and interim protection.
High Court Interim Relief Set Aside
The High Court, while not staying the investigation, had restrained the filing of the chargesheet and granted interim relief against coercive action. This order was challenged before the Supreme Court by the complainant, who argued that the restrictions were hindering a fair investigation.
The Supreme Court set aside the High Court’s interim order, terming the restriction on filing of the chargesheet as unjustified. The Court held that undue interference in ongoing investigations could obstruct the discovery of truth and that investigating agencies must be allowed to function independently within the framework of law.
The apex court further directed that a Special Investigation Team be constituted to ensure an independent and comprehensive inquiry into the entire matter. It said the SIT must examine all aspects, including how individuals allegedly gained control over society properties and whether forged documents were used in their sale.
SIT Told to Submit Report Within Three Months
The Court directed the SIT to complete its investigation and submit its report within three months. It also clarified that no coercive action would be taken against the accused until the investigation is completed and the SIT report is submitted, but stressed that all parties must fully cooperate with the probe.
The Bench observed that the society was established for public welfare purposes and not intended to become a source of internal conflict or private commercial exploitation after the founder’s demise. It noted that the original intent of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi was not for the society’s properties to be embroiled in prolonged disputes and alleged unlawful transfers.
The Supreme Court clarified that it was not expressing any opinion on the merits of the allegations, as the appeal arose only from an interim order of the High Court. However, it emphasized that allegations of forgery and cheating required thorough investigation to ensure accountability and prevent misuse of institutional assets in the future.
