High Court questions accountability of ashrams linked to Virender Dev Dixit
The Delhi High Court has ordered an inquiry into the management of ashrams linked to the late Virender Dev Dixit following allegations of illegal confinement. The court emphasized that while religious practice is protected, institutions must remain accountable for their actions and public order.
Why it matters
The case highlights the legal tension between religious freedom and the state's duty to protect individuals from potential abuse within private institutions.
The Delhi High Court on Monday said the affairs of ashrams associated with self-styled spiritual preacher Virender Dev Dixit require an inquiry, questioning who is now accountable for running the institutions following his death.
The court was hearing a matter related to allegations that several women and girls were being held in illegal confinement at the Adhyatmik Vishwa Vidyalaya ashram in Rohini. The litigation dates back to 2017, when the NGO Foundation for Social Empowerment approached the High Court alleging that minor girls and women were being confined there and were not being allowed to meet their parents. The High Court had earlier directed the CBI to submit a status report on allegations of rape against Mr. Dixit.
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