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News India Live, Digital Desk: Allahabad High Court has provided a major legal relief to Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati of Jyotishpeeth. While hearing the anticipatory bail plea of Shankaracharya, who is facing charges of sexual exploitation of minors (POCSO Act), the court has stayed his immediate arrest. While granting interim protection in this case, a single bench of Justice Jitendra Kumar Sinha made it clear that the police will not take any punitive action against him till the next hearing.
“The allegations are baseless and politically motivated” – defense argument
Shankaracharya’s lawyers presented their stand strongly in the court. He argued that the FIR lodged against Swami Avimukteshwarananda is completely fabricated and a deep conspiracy to defame him. The lawyers told the court that the children who were accused of exploitation never lived in the ashram. The defense termed it as ‘political vendetta’ and said that such serious allegations have been made to suppress the impartial voice of Shankaracharya.
FIR was registered on the instructions of Prayagraj POCSO court.
The controversy started when a special POCSO court in Prayagraj ordered Jhunsi police station to register a case against Swami Avimukteshwaranand and his disciple Mukundanand Giri.
Blame: The complaint filed by a man named Ashutosh Brahmachari had alleged that ‘Batuks’ (students) were sexually exploited at the ashram during the 2025 Magh Mela and Mahakumbh.
Currents: The police had registered a case against them under various sections of the POCSO Act and relevant sections of the Indian Justice Code (BNS).
“Truth will prevail” – Shankaracharya’s statement
After getting relief from the High Court, Swami Avimukteshwarananda expressed his gratitude towards the judiciary in his reaction. He said during a press conference in Varanasi:
“Truth can be troubled, not defeated. Those who think that they can tarnish the dignity of our institution by false allegations are delusional. I am ready to cooperate fully in the investigation and if necessary, to establish the truth.” narco test I am also ready to undergo (Narco Test).”
Court’s instructions: Cooperate in investigation
The court has given relief to Shankaracharya, but has also put some conditions. The High Court has directed that Swami Avimukteshwaranand and his disciples will fully cooperate with the police investigation and will not leave the country without permission. The lawyers appearing on behalf of the government had raised questions on the admissibility of the petition, but considering the seriousness of the allegations and the dignity of the institution, the court considered it appropriate to put a stay on the arrest for the time being.