Allahabad High Court grants interim protection to Swami Avimukteshwaranand in POCSO case

The Allahabad High Court on Friday (February 27, 2026) granted interim protection from arrest to Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, head of the Jyotirmath monastery, who faces allegations of sexually assaulting two minors at his ashram.

Justice Jitendra Kumar Sinha extended similar relief to the seer’s disciple, Swami Mukundanand Giri. The court, however, clarified that the investigation would continue in accordance with the law. While reserving its order on interim bail, it directed both accused to cooperate fully with the ongoing probe.

The matter is scheduled for further hearing on March 12. The FIR against the two Mr. Saraswati and Mr. Giri was registered following directions from a special court in Prayagraj. On February 21, the court instructed the police to act on a complaint lodged by Ashutosh Brahmachari and two other minors, aged 14 and 17, alleging sexual abuse.

Speaking to the media on the day he secured interim relief, Mr. Saraswati said he was willing to undergo a narco-analysis test if required to establish the truth in the case registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act POCSO)

The religious leader, who has received support in the past from the Samajwadi Party and the Indian National Congress, has maintained that the allegations are “false” and “politically motivated,” aimed at defaming him.

Mr. Saraswati was earlier involved in a dispute with the Prayagraj district administration over alleged assaults on his followers during Mauni Amavasya on January 18, 2026. The stand-off continued for several weeks, during which the administration issued two notices to him — one questioning his use of the ‘Shankaracharya’ title and another holding him responsible for creating a “stampede-like situation” at a religious gathering attended by large crowds.