New Delhi, 27 March (H.S.):

The anticipatory bail granted by the Allahabad High Court to Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaran and Saraswati and his disciple Mukundanand Giri in a POCSO‑related case is under challenge in the Supreme Court. Spiritual leader Ashutosh Maharaj has moved the top court, seeking cancellation of the interim protection they received and a review of the high court’s order.

Maharaj filed a special leave petition through counsel Saurabh Ajay Gupta, arguing that the Shankaracharya’s continued release on bail could allow him to influence witnesses in the matter. The complaint centres on allegations of child sexual abuse filed under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, with the FIR registered at Jhunsi police station in Prayagraj.

The PIL states that the Allahabad High Court effectively conducted a “mini‑trial” while granting relief, which it claims amounts to an erroneous interpretation of the case. Maharaj’s lawyers insist that the high court’s analysis could prejudice the entire proceedings and undermine the integrity of the investigation.

The petition further alleges that Swami Avimukteshwaranand has breached the condition imposed by the high court that he refrain from making public statements to the media, a stipulation meant to prevent any improper outside influence on the case.

The Allahabad High Court had, in a 22‑page judgment, granted anticipatory bail to both accused, directing that they furnish a personal bond of ₹50,000 with two sureties, while also instructing them to cooperate with the investigation and not tamper with evidence or witnesses.

By taking the matter to the Supreme Court, the complainant is seeking to test whether that relief should be set aside ahead of any formal trial in the special POCSO court.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar