Allahabad High Court Grants Interim Protection to Religious Leader in POCSO Case

The Allahabad High Court has granted interim protection from arrest to religious leader Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati in a case involving serious allegations under the POCSO Act. The court's decision also extends to his disciple, Mukundanand Giri, while emphasizing the need for ongoing investigations. The case stems from accusations of sexual abuse involving two minors at a camp in Prayagraj. Amidst rising tensions with the ruling party, Saraswati has maintained his innocence, claiming the allegations are politically motivated. The next hearing is set for March 12, as the court continues to navigate this sensitive matter.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 28, 2026, 19:23 IST

Court Decision on Interim Protection

On Friday, the Allahabad High Court provided interim protection from arrest to Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, a prominent religious figure, in connection with allegations made under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.

Justice Jitendra Kumar Sinha also extended similar protection to his disciple, Mukundanand Giri. The judge emphasized that the investigation into the claims should proceed without interruption.

The allegations involve accusations that Saraswati, who leads the Jyotirmath shrine, sexually assaulted two minor boys during a camp in Prayagraj.

A complaint was filed by Ashutosh Brahmachari Maharaj, who claimed that the police had not acted on his written reports regarding the incidents. Following this, a special POCSO court mandated the filing of a first information report, leading to a case being registered on February 21 at the Jhunsi Police Station in Prayagraj.

During the hearing on Friday, the High Court considered the anticipatory bail petitions submitted by both Saraswati and Giri. While the court reserved its decision, the judge instructed the accused to fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation.

The next hearing is scheduled for March 12.

Previously, Saraswati expressed his willingness to undergo a narco-analysis test if necessary to prove his innocence, asserting that the allegations against him are unfounded and politically driven.

This case arises amid escalating tensions between Saraswati and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in Uttar Pradesh. In January, he staged an 11-day sit-in protest in Prayagraj, claiming that local authorities obstructed him from participating in a ritual dip at the Triveni Sangam on the auspicious day of Mauni Amavasya.

Additionally, he issued a 40-day ultimatum to Chief Minister Adityanath, demanding the declaration of the cow as 'rajya mata' and urging measures to halt the export of cow meat.

Saraswati, along with three other shankaracharyas, announced their decision to boycott the inauguration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya scheduled for January 2024.