FIR filed against Jyotirmath Shankaracharya over minor abuse allegation

A sharp legal and political confrontation has erupted in Prayagraj as an FIR was filed against Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, the Shankaracharya of Jyotirmath. The case, registered at the Jhusi police station, accuses the seer and his disciple of sexually abusing a minor. The registration of the case follows a specific order from a POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) court, which acted on a private application.

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The Shankaracharya, a vocal critic of the current administration, has termed the allegations a “shameful attempt at intimidation” by the state authorities following his recent protests during the Magh Mela.

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The Legal Order: POCSO Court Intervention

The FIR was moved by Ashutosh Brahmachari, a disciple of Swami Rambhadracharya. Additional District and Sessions Judge Vinod Kumar Chaurasiya directed the police to register the case after examining the application. Local police have confirmed that an inquiry into the allegations has officially commenced.

Background: The Magh Mela Tussle

The friction between the Shankaracharya and the Uttar Pradesh government has been intensifying since January:

• January 18 (Mauni Amavasya): Administration officials asked the seer to step out of his palanquin and walk to the Sangam, leading to a public sit-in (dharna).

• January 24: The Shankaracharya alleged an attempted assault by a group of youths carrying saffron flags.

• Credentials Dispute: Following these scuffles, the state government issued a notice to Avimukteshwaranand, asking him to prove his credentials as the legally recognized Shankaracharya of Jyotirmath.

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Political Crossfire: The Complainant’s Alleged Ties

The case has quickly taken on a political hue. The Shankaracharya pointed out that the complainant, Ashutosh, belongs to the camp of Swami Rambhadracharya, who is known for his proximity to the ruling party.

Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav weighed in, stating it was a “shame” that such a complainant was linked to Rambhadracharya. Yadav further remarked that his previous government’s decision to withdraw a past forgery case against Rambhadracharya was a “mistake.”

Reality Check

The charges are under the POCSO Act, which carries extremely stringent legal implications and often results in immediate custodial interrogation. Still, the timing of the FIR—coinciding with the seer’s public “Yatra” and his clash with the Mela administration—lends weight to the claim of a motivated prosecution. In fact, the legal battle over the “Shankaracharya” title in the Supreme Court is already complex, and this criminal case adds a layer of character assassination to a pre-existing theological and political dispute.

The Loopholes

The case was filed via a Section 156(3) application in court rather than a direct police FIR. In fact, this is a common “legal loophole” used when the police initially refuse to register a case. Therefore, the court’s order to file the FIR does not imply the seer is guilty; it only means the court found the allegations serious enough to warrant a formal investigation. Still, the “anti-Sanatan” label used by the Shankaracharya is a strategic counter-loophole to mobilize public sympathy among the traditionalist base.

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What This Means for You

If you are a follower of the Jyotirmath Peeth or a resident of Prayagraj, expect increased security presence around the Jhusi area. First, realize that the legal process under POCSO is slow and sensitive; public protests could lead to further police action. Then, follow the court proceedings closely, as the “credentials notice” from the state government may impact the administrative management of the Peeth’s properties.

Finally, understand that this case will likely become a major talking point in the upcoming regional political cycles. You should look for official statements from the UP Police regarding any forensic or testimonial evidence collected. Before forming a definitive opinion, wait for the Preliminary Inquiry Report to see if the allegations are backed by physical evidence or remain solely based on the complainant’s statement.

What’s Next

The Prayagraj police will record the statement of the minor under Section 164 of the CrPC (before a magistrate) in the coming days. Then, the Shankaracharya is expected to move the Allahabad High Court for a quashing of the FIR or to seek stay on arrest. Finally, look for a larger gathering of seers in Haridwar or Varanasi as religious bodies deliberate on the “insult” to the seat of the Shankaracharya.

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