The Allahabad High Court stayed the arrest of Swami Avimukteshwarananda in a POCSO case pertaining to the alleged sexual exploitation of minors and reserved its order on his anticipatory bail application.
After a hearing that lasted more than an hour on Friday, a single bench of Justice Jitendra Kumar Sinha delivered its order in a packed courtroom.
This decision is being considered a major relief for Swami Avimukteshwarananda and his disciple, Swami Mukundanand.
High Court’s Room No. 72 was packed even before the hearing slated in the second half.
The defense claimed one of the victims was a minor and hence the accused should not be given anticipatory bail.
However, the lawyers of Shankaracharya opposed the government counsel saying that the entire issue is fabricated and a conspiracy has been hatched to defame his client. They also raised several lapses on the part of police and prosecution in the case.
After hearing both sides, the court reserved its decision on this matter but stayed the arrest of Swami Avimukteshwaranand and others till the verdict.
Due to Holi, the court will be closed from tomorrow and after the court reopens on March 9, the court can give its decision at any time.
Following the order of the Special Judge (POCSO Act) on Ashutosh Brahmachari’s application, an FIR was registered against Swami Avimukteshwaranand and others at the Jhunsi police station last Sunday.
Following the registration of the case, the Jhunsi police have conducted inquiries. The victims have also undergone statements and medical examinations.
Swami and his associate, Swami Mukundanand, are accused of raping minors at the Magh Mela and Mahakumbh.