Allahabad High Court Grants Interim Protection to Swami Avimukteshwaranand in POCSO Case

Prayagraj, February 27, 2026 – The Allahabad High Court has granted interim protection from arrest to Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, the head of the Jyotirmath monastery, and his disciple, Swami Mukundanand Giri, in a case alleging sexual assault of two minors. Justice Jitendra Kumar Sinha issued the order on Friday evening, although reserving judgment on their anticipatory bail applications.

Details of the Case and Court Proceedings

The First Information Report (FIR) against Swami Avimukteshwaranand and Swami Mukundanand was registered on February 21, following directions from a special POCSO court in Prayagraj. The case stemmed from a complaint filed by Ashutosh Brahmachari and two minors, aged 14 and 17, alleging sexual abuse The Hindu.

During the hearing, senior advocate Dilip Kumar, advocates Rajarshi Gupta and Sudhanshu Kumar represented Swami Avimukteshwaranand and Swami Mukundanand. Additional Advocate General Manish Goyal, Government Advocate Patanjali Mishra, and AGA Pratham Rupak Choubey appeared for the state government, while Reena N Singh represented Ashutosh Brahmachari via video conferencing LiveLaw.

Court’s Directive and Ongoing Investigation

Justice Sinha directed that the investigation into the allegations would continue, and both accused were instructed to fully cooperate with the ongoing probe The Hindu. The court has scheduled a further hearing for March 12, requesting written submissions and case law from both sides by that date LiveLaw.

Swami Avimukteshwaranand’s Response

Speaking to the media after securing interim relief, Swami Avimukteshwaranand stated his willingness to undergo a narco-analysis test to prove his innocence. He maintained that the allegations are “false” and “politically motivated,” aimed at defaming him The Hindu.

Related Developments

Prior to the hearing, supporters of Swami Avimukteshwaranand celebrated the interim relief. In Varanasi, women expressed their joy by performing Garba, while a silent procession was held in Narsinghpur district to indicate support Daily Kiran.

police arrested Ajit Kumar Saroj in Varanasi for allegedly threatening the defense attorney Daily Kiran.