High Court Relief for Swami Avimukteshwaranand in POCSO Case, Also Ready for Narco Test
The Allahabad High Court has granted interim relief to Swami Avimukteshwaranand by staying his arrest related to POCSO charges.
Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati has received significant relief from the Allahabad High Court, which has stayed his arrest in a case involving allegations of sexual abuse under the POCSO Act. The court has ordered that he cannot be arrested until a decision on his anticipatory bail application is made, which is expected to be delivered in the third week of March. This decision comes as both the state government and the complainants have been directed to file their responses to the court, raising questions about the legal proceedings surrounding the allegations.
The allegations against Swami Avimukteshwaranand include the sexual exploitation of two individuals, one of whom is a minor. Following the filing of the First Information Report (FIR), he approached the High Court seeking protection from arrest. The court’s order has created a ripple effect among his followers at the Shri Vidya Math in Varanasi, who celebrated the decision by distributing sweets, indicating the strong support he has among his devotees.
In reaction to the High Court's decision, Swami Avimukteshwaranand expressed his gratitude, asserting that his lawyers had informed the court that the two minors had never been in his presence. He emphasized the statement from the minors themselves, indicating that they claim they were associated with Jyotirmath instead. This case highlights ongoing issues in the intersection of religion, law, and the protection of children's rights in India, as the court navigates complex testimonies and evidence surrounding such serious charges.