The Allahabad High Court on Friday granted interim protection from arrest to Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, the head of the Jyotirmath monastery, in connection with a case registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The court’s order provides temporary relief to the seer while allowing the investigation into the allegations to continue as per law. The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on March 12.
The interim protection was granted by Justice Jitendra Kumar Sinha, who also extended similar relief to Swami Mukundanand Giri, a disciple of the seer and a co-accused in the case. The court clarified that its order does not stall the probe and that the investigating agency is free to proceed in accordance with established legal procedures. While reserving its decision on the plea for interim bail, the bench directed both accused to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation.
The case pertains to allegations of sexual assault involving two minors at an ashram associated with the Jyotirmath monastery. The accusations were registered under provisions of the POCSO Act, a stringent law designed to protect children from sexual offences and ensure speedy trial of such cases. The Act provides strict safeguards for minors and mandates sensitive handling of complaints.
Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, who heads the Jyotirmath seat, is a prominent religious figure. The Jyotirmath, also known as one of the four cardinal monasteries established in the Advaita Vedanta tradition, holds significant spiritual importance for followers across the country. The allegations have therefore drawn widespread attention, both within religious circles and in the broader public domain.
During the hearing, counsel representing the seer sought protection from arrest, arguing for due process and the right to cooperate with investigators without coercive action. The court, after hearing submissions, granted interim relief while emphasizing that the probe must continue without obstruction.
By reserving its order on interim bail, the High Court indicated that it will examine the matter further before issuing a detailed ruling. The next hearing, scheduled for March 12, is expected to address arguments on the merits of the bail application and any progress made in the investigation.
Legal observers note that interim protection from arrest is a temporary safeguard granted to ensure that an accused individual is not taken into custody while the court considers the matter more comprehensively. Such protection does not imply a finding on the allegations themselves. The continuation of the investigation ensures that evidence collection, witness statements, and procedural steps proceed as mandated under the POCSO framework.
The court’s directive requiring both accused to cooperate with investigators underscores the principle that relief from arrest is conditional upon full compliance with investigative requirements. Failure to cooperate could influence future judicial consideration.
The case remains under active investigation, and further legal developments are expected following the next hearing date. The High Court’s order balances temporary relief for the accused with the continuation of due process under the law.
