Bail Plea – Allahabad High Court to Hear Seer’s Petition Friday
Bail Plea – A significant legal hearing linked to Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati is scheduled for Friday at the Allahabad High Court, where his plea for anticipatory bail will come up for consideration.
Bail Application to Be Heard by Single-Judge Bench
According to the latest cause list issued on February 27, the matter appears at serial number 142 and will be taken up in Court No. 72. The case has been assigned to a single bench headed by Justice Jitendra Kumar Sinha.
The religious leader has approached the High Court seeking protection from arrest in connection with a sexual harassment case registered at Jhunsi police station. His petition requests anticipatory bail as the investigation continues.
FIR Registered Following Court Directions
The legal proceedings stem from an order passed by a Special POCSO Court in Prayagraj, which directed the police to register a First Information Report against the seer and others over allegations related to the sexual abuse of minors. The court instructed authorities to ensure that the investigation remains impartial and that the identities and dignity of the alleged victims are safeguarded.
Following these directions, an FIR was lodged at Jhunsi Police Station. The order was issued by ADJ (Rape and POCSO Special Court) Vinod Kumar Chaurasia on an application filed under Section 173(4) by Ashutosh Brahmachari, who identifies himself as a disciple of Swami Rambhadracharya.
Fresh Allegations Raised by Complainant
In recent developments, the complainant, Ashutosh Brahmachari, has put forward additional claims in connection with the case. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, he alleged that the misconduct was not confined to a single individual. He claimed that certain senior functionaries associated with the ashram, along with other influential persons, were also involved in inappropriate acts concerning young disciples.
Brahmachari further alleged that some of the incidents occurred at religious premises, including Vidyamath, and referred to locations such as Narsinghpur in Madhya Pradesh. He also levelled accusations against specific office-bearers within the ashram structure.
These statements have added another dimension to an already sensitive case, though the allegations remain subject to investigation and judicial scrutiny.
Seer Denies Allegations
Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati has categorically rejected the charges, describing them as baseless and motivated. He has stated that the accusations are part of an attempt to tarnish his image and harm Sanatan Dharma.
As of now, there has been no formal public response from the other individuals named in the expanded allegations made by the complainant.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have been directed to conduct a fair and independent inquiry into the matter. Given the nature of the allegations and the involvement of minors, the case is being handled under provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Legal observers note that the High Court’s decision on the anticipatory bail plea could significantly influence the immediate course of action in the investigation. If granted, the protection would shield the accused from arrest during the probe, subject to conditions set by the court. If denied, law enforcement agencies may proceed in accordance with standard legal procedures.
The matter is expected to draw attention due to the stature of the individuals involved and the seriousness of the allegations. However, the judicial process remains ongoing, and no conclusions have been reached at this stage.
The High Court hearing on Friday will determine the next legal step in a case that has sparked debate within religious and legal circles alike.