Swami Avimukteshwaran and Saraswati. File | Photo credit: PTI
The Allahabad High Court on Friday (February 27, 2026) granted interim protection from arrest to Swami Avimukteshwaran and Saraswati, the superior of Jyotirmath Monastery, who faces charges of sexually assaulting two minors at his ashram.
Justice Jitendra Kumar Sinha granted similar relief to the seer’s disciple Swami Mukundananda Giri. But the court specified that the investigation will continue in accordance with the law. While reserving anticipatory bail, he ordered both the accused to fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation.
The next meeting is scheduled for March 12. An FIR against the two Mr. Saraswati and Mr. Giri was registered as per the directions of the Special Court at Prayagraj. On February 21, the court directed the police to act on a complaint filed by Ashutosh Brahmachari and two other minors, aged 14 and 17, alleging sexual abuse.
Speaking to the media on the day he got the temporary relief, Mr. Saraswati said he was willing to undergo a narco-analysis test if necessary to establish the truth in the case registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses Act (POCSO)
The religious leader, who has received support from the Samajwadi Party and the Indian National Congress in the past, claimed the allegations were “false” and “politically motivated” aimed at defaming him.
Mr Saraswati was earlier involved in a dispute with the Prayagraj district administration over alleged attacks on his followers during Mauni Amavasya on 18 January 2026. The standoff continued for several weeks, during which the administration issued him two notices – one questioning his use of the title ‘Shankaracharya’ and another holding him responsible for forming a large religious gathering.
Published – 27 Feb 2026 22:54 IST
