Second Notice Issued to Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand, Entry to Magh Mela May Be Banned

The controversy surrounding Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand at the Prayagraj Magh Mela 2026 has escalated, as the Magh Mela Authority has issued a second notice warning him of potential permanent restrictions on his entry.

Standoff at Mouni Amavasya

During the Mouni Amavasya bathing festival, Swami Avimukteshwaranand insisted on reaching the Sangam’s nose area in a palanquin, defying repeated requests from administration and police to proceed on foot. A tense three-hour standoff ensued between the Swami’s followers and authorities, with attempts to break barricades reported.

Details of the Second Notice

The notice, dated January 18, states that Swami Avimukteshwaranand attempted to traverse a highly sensitive area in a horse-drawn carriage without permission, causing serious crowd management challenges. The notice emphasizes that hundreds of thousands of pilgrims were present, and his actions could have led to stampedes and serious casualties.

Authorities further stated that by claiming the title of Shankaracharya and placing boards asserting the same, the Swami violated a Supreme Court order restraining the official use of the title. The notice warns that if a satisfactory explanation is not provided within 24 hours, the Magh Mela Authority may revoke all government-provided facilities and permanently bar his entry to the festival.

Legal Response

Meanwhile, Swami Avimukteshwaranand has responded to the first notice through his lawyer, Anjani Kumar Mishra. In an eight-page submission, the Swami’s legal team demanded the withdrawal of the notice within 24 hours, arguing that his appointment as Shankaracharya had already been completed and that the referenced administrative orders were issued later. The lawyer warned that failure to withdraw the notice could lead to a contempt petition and other legal action in court.

The Magh Mela Authority’s firm stance highlights its priority on maintaining order and safety for the millions of pilgrims attending the festival, while the Swami’s legal team seeks to protect his rights and religious position.