In a significant legal development, the Allahabad High Court has granted interim relief to Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati by staying his arrest in connection with a sexual harassment case. During the hearing on Friday, the court directed the authorities not to take any coercive action against him until the next date of hearing. This judicial intervention comes after a petition was filed seeking the quashing of the FIR and protection from immediate arrest.
High Court Proceedings and Interim Protection
The bench, after hearing arguments from both sides, provided interim protection to Swami Avimukteshwaranand. The court's order explicitly states that no punitive measures should be initiated against the petitioner for the time being. This stay provides a temporary reprieve to the spiritual leader as the legal process unfolds. The court has also sought a response from the state government regarding the allegations and the progress of the investigation conducted so far.
Details of the Allegations and FIR
The case originates from an FIR registered on February 21, involving serious allegations of sexual misconduct. The complaints were filed against Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and his disciple, Mukundanand Brahmachari. The charges include allegations of abuse involving two individuals, one of whom is a minor. Consequently, the case was registered under relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, leading to a high-profile legal battle.
Readiness for Narco Analysis and Scientific Testing
Addressing the media regarding the allegations, Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati expressed his willingness to undergo scientific scrutiny to prove his innocence. He stated that if a narco test could bring out the truth of the matter, it must be conducted. He emphasized that all available methods to uncover the facts should be utilized by the investigating agencies. His statement aims to project transparency and a commitment to the legal process while maintaining his stance of innocence.
Defense Against Alleged Fabricated Claims
The Shankaracharya has categorically dismissed the charges as fabricated and part of a larger conspiracy to tarnish his reputation. He remarked that falsehoods don't last long and those who have concocted this story will eventually be exposed. He further argued that the child mentioned in the complaint had never been in contact with him, making the allegations logically inconsistent. According to him, as more details emerge, the public will realize the lack of substance in the case.
Background and Future Legal Course
The controversy has sparked significant debate within spiritual and legal circles since the FIR was lodged. The defense team has consistently maintained that the charges are politically or personally motivated. With the Allahabad High Court's stay on the arrest, the police investigation will continue under judicial oversight. The next hearing will be crucial in determining the future course of the legal proceedings and whether the interim protection will be extended further.