The Prayagraj Magh Mela Authority has issued a formal notice to Swami Avimukteshwaranand, asking for clarification regarding his claim to the Shankaracharya title. The administration referred to pending civil appeals No. 3010/2020 and 3011/2020 in the Supreme Court, noting that the court prohibited any new coronations at Jyotishpeeth since October 2022.
The notice questions how Swami Avimukteshwaranand could use the title on his campsite and signs when the Supreme Court banned any appointments until a final decision. Viewing this as contempt of court, the administration has instructed him to respond within 24 hours.
Reference from Supreme Court Order
The Mela Authority's notice elaborates on the Supreme Court's order dated October 14, 2022, which accepted Prayer Clause (a). As per this order, any consecration of Swami Avimukteshwaranand or another individual at Jyotishpeeth Badrinath or any other organization was barred. The administration emphasizes that since the main appeal is unresolved, any new Shankaracharya at Jyotishpeeth is not legally valid.
Legal Advice and Land Allocation Issues
The authority mentions various lawyers' legal opinions, asserting that any land allocation or recognition of Swami Avimukteshwaranand as Shankaracharya is direct contempt of the Supreme Court. Due to this legal complexity, the administration has raised serious concerns about promotions at the Magh Mela and using 'Shankaracharya'.
Main Objection of the Administration
The notice clarifies that during the 2025-26 Magh Mela, boards at Swami Avimukteshwaranand's site displayed him as 'Jyotishpeeth's Shankaracharya'. According to the notice, "Your actions exhibit disobedience of the honorable Supreme Court's order." Now, the administration seeks to understand on what basis he is promoting himself with this title, warning of strict action if no response is received within the given timeframe.
