Allahabad High Court Halts Arrest of Shankaracharya in POCSO Case

The Allahabad High Court granted interim relief to Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati on March 15, 2024, by staying his arrest related to a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The court’s decision came after the Shankaracharya and his disciple, Pratyakchaitanya Mukundanand Giri, filed an anticipatory bail application, asserting that the allegations against them were fabricated.

During a press conference in Varanasi, the Shankaracharya expressed gratitude for the court’s ruling, stating it affirmed their claim that the case lacked credibility. “Our counsel informed that the court has stayed our arrest after listening to both sides during the hearing. Our appeal was that the case is fabricated,” he remarked, indicating that the judges found merit in their argument. He emphasized the importance of revealing the truth and noted that the court’s ruling validated their position.

The Shankaracharya also criticized the police for their handling of the case, particularly concerning minors involved. He pointed out that the proper protocol should have involved placing minors in a juvenile home for their safety, a step he claims was neglected. “The procedure of keeping the minors in a juvenile home should have been done by the police when the FIR was lodged,” he stated. He accused law enforcement of prioritizing the tarnishing of his reputation over the safety of those involved.

Addressing the Hindu community’s concerns, the Shankaracharya acknowledged that the allegations had led to public distrust. “The entire Hindu community in the country was hurt by the case,” he said. He expressed hope that the court’s decision would help restore faith among his followers. “Today, even though prima facie, the trust has been rebuilt in all communities, the pleas are being heard, and justice is being served,” he added.

Earlier on the same day, the High Court provided the Shankaracharya with protection from coercive action until further hearings. The bench instructed authorities not to take immediate action against him and confirmed that he would cooperate with the ongoing police investigation. The final judgment regarding the anticipatory bail application is anticipated in the third week of March 2024.

The case has garnered significant attention, reflecting broader societal issues regarding the treatment of sensitive allegations involving minors. As the situation develops, the court’s ruling may influence public perception and the legal landscape surrounding such cases in India.