Judicial Thunderbolt: FIR Ordered Under POCSO Against Prominent Swami Avimukteshwar Anand

(Judicial Quest News Network)

PRAYAGRAJ – In a significant legal development, a special POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) court in Prayagraj has ordered the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, the Shankaracharya of Jyotish Peeth, following allegations of sexual exploitation involving minors.

The order, delivered by Special Judge Vinod Kumar Chaurasia on Saturday, February 21, 2026, also names the seer’s disciple, Swami Mukundanand Giri, and two to three unidentified individuals.

The petitioner had filed the application seeking directions for an FIR against Avimukteshwaranand under sections 69,74,75,76,79, and 109 (all related to sexual assault) of the BNS as well as sections3/5/9 and 17 of the POCSO Act, the court accepted the application and ordered the police to conduct an investigation

Key Details of the Allegations

The case was initiated following an application filed under Section 173(4) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) by Ashutosh Brahmachari Maharaj, a disciple of Jagadguru Rambhadracharya.

• The Charges: The complainants allege that minor disciples were subjected to penetrative sexual assault and harassment over the past year.
• The setting: The incidents reportedly occurred at the Vidya Math ashram in Varanasi and during the Magh Mela in Prayagraj.
• Modus Operandi: It is alleged that the acts were committed under the guise of “religious service” and “guru seva.”

The Court’s Observations

The court’s directive came after it reviewed an inquiry report from the Prayagraj Police Commissioner and recorded the statements of two victims (aged 14 and 17) via videography in a closed courtroom.

“The material placed on record, including the inquiry report, discloses cognizable and punishable offences… The investigation shall be carried out fairly, independently, and expeditiously.” — POCSO Court Order

The judge clarified that while the court has ordered the FIR, it has not expressed an opinion on the merits of the case, leaving all issues open for a detailed police investigation.

Swami Avimukteshwaranand alleged that the complainant is a “history-sheeter” with a record of filing false cases for extortion and suggested the move is an attempt to undermine the institution of the Shankaracharya.

Next Steps

The Jhunsi Police Station has been directed to register the FIR immediately and submit a compliance report to the court. The investigation is expected to involve the collection of digital and forensic evidence, including the examination of a CD submitted by the complainant.