Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati Hits Back at Prayagraj Mela Administration, Sends Legal Notice Demanding Retraction

Prayagraj: The controversy over preventing Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati from taking part in ritual bathing at the Magh Mela has escalated. The Prayagraj Mela Administration had issued a notice to the Shankaracharya demanding a response within 24 hours. In a strong rebuttal, Swami Avimukteshwaranand has sent a legal notice to the administration, demanding the withdrawal of its earlier communication. The notice was sent through his advocate, Anjani Kumar Mishra, to the Vice-Chairperson of the Prayagraj Mela Authority.

The notice describes the administration’s action as not only insulting but also an affront to the authority of the Supreme Court. It asserts that the entire matter regarding the Shankaracharya’s position is currently sub judice in the Supreme Court. “Interference by the administration challenges the dignity of the court,” the notice states, adding that such acts fall under punishable offenses. If the notice is not withdrawn, legal proceedings for defamation and contempt of court will be initiated against the administration.

The notice further mentions that on the night of 19 January, the administration had affixed their notice at the entrance of the Shankaracharya’s camp with police presence while he was asleep, which caused public insult and disrespect to the ‘Jagadguru Shankaracharya’ institution.

The Mela Administration had sought proof of Swami Avimukteshwaranand’s legitimacy as Shankaracharya. In response, the Shankaracharya submitted an eight-page reply. He emphasized that the Supreme Court order cited in the notice was dated 14 October 2022, whereas his formal coronation as Shankaracharya took place on 12 September 2022, the day after the passing of Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati, at the latter’s ashram.