Shankaracharya issue reaches UP Human Rights Commission

The issue of alleged misbehaviour with the disciples of Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati at the Magh Mela in Prayagraj on January 18 has now reached the Uttar Pradesh State Human Rights Commission.

Advocate Dr Gajendra Singh Yadav of the Allahabad High Court has filed a complaint with the State Human Rights Commission.

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Considering the matter serious, a request has been made to the State Human Rights Commission to intervene. The complaint alleges misbehaviour, assault, and jostling by the fair administration and police. Serious concern has been expressed in the complaint regarding the incidents of being prevented from going to the Triveni Sangam.

The complainant has demanded an independent and impartial investigation into the entire incident and legal action against the responsible officials.

The complaint states that, according to media reports and eyewitnesses, Shankaracharya’s religious procession was stopped from proceeding towards the Triveni Sangam, and his disciples were allegedly assaulted and jostled, creating a tense and chaotic situation. This incident came to light when it was also revealed that other saint communities and akhadas (religious orders) were granted permission for religious rituals and holy baths.

The complaint filed by Dr Gajendra Singh Yadav states that if any restrictions were necessary for crowd control or security reasons, they should have been uniform, reasonable, and proportionate. Selective restrictions, humiliating treatment, or administrative intervention in the absence of alternative arrangements could amount to a violation of human rights, infringing upon the right to equality (Article 14), freedom of religion (Article 25), and the right to life with dignity (Article 21) guaranteed by the Constitution.

The Human Rights Commission has been requested to conduct an independent and impartial investigation into the entire incident. “The procedures, orders, and use of force (if any) adopted by the fair administration and police should be reviewed. If human rights violations are found, legal action should be taken against the guilty officials. Clear guidelines should be issued to protect the rights of the saint community and devotees in such religious gatherings in the future,” according to the complaint.

The complainant has expressed hope that the Human Rights Commission will take cognisance of this serious matter and take prompt and just action, thereby ensuring the effective protection of religious freedom, human dignity, and the rights guaranteed by the Constitution.