The Prayagraj Magh Mela Authority has issued a formal notice to Swami Avimukteshwaranand, seeking clarification on his claim to the Shankaracharya title. The administration referred to the pending civil appeal numbers 3010/2020 and 3011/2020 in the Supreme Court, stating that the court had prohibited any new appointments to Jyotish Peeth as of October 2022.
In response to this, Swami Avimukteshwaranand held a press conference where he made serious allegations against the mela administration. Senior advocate of the Supreme Court, P.N. Mishra, representing Swami Avimukteshwaranand, stated that the notice issued by the administration constitutes contempt of the Supreme Court.
In the Mahakumbh Souvenir, My Photo Read Shankaracharya
Swami Avimukteshwaranand narrated an incident where an official visited him post-midnight and pressurized him to accept the notice during the night. The individual delivering the notice was a revenue officer who affixed the notice and then departed.
He questioned the urgency that compelled the mela authority to serve the notice at midnight. Swami Avimukteshwaranand also pointed out that a government-published Mahakumbh souvenir had acknowledged him as Shankaracharya, questioning how long the authorities could evade accountability by misrepresenting the Supreme Court's directives.
Source: aajtak
Notice Issued by Magh Mela Administration
Prior, the Magh Mela administration had served a notice to Swami Avimukteshwaranand, challenging his recognition as Shankaracharya. The mela authority instructed him to prove his authenticity as Shankaracharya within 24 hours. On Monday night, a revenue officer reached the Shankaracharya camp in Magh Mela to serve the notice.
His disciples initially refused to accept the notice, leading to it being posted on the camp gate the next morning. The notice comes as a result of a dispute between Avimukteshwaranand and Vasudevanand over the Shankaracharya title of Jyotish Peeth, which is currently under judicial review in court.
What is the Supreme Court's Directive?
P.N. Mishra, Swami Avimukteshwaranand's advocate, explained that the notice refers to an order dated October 14, 2022. However, he pointed out that an earlier order dated September 21, 2022, recognized Swami Avimukteshwaranand as Shankaracharya, and his investiture occurred on September 12, 2022. Meanwhile, the order the administration cites is from October 17, which postdates Swami Avimukteshwaranand's investiture.
The Supreme Court on October 14, 2022, placed a restriction on any appointments after October 17. P.N. Mishra emphasized that Swami Avimukteshwaranand's investiture took place before this restriction, and various parts of Supreme Court orders refer to him as Shankaracharya. Therefore, the notice sent by the administration amounts to contempt of court.
Source: aajtak
Legal Action Against Misleading Officials
At the press conference, it was also revealed that Swami Avimukteshwaranand filed a petition against Vasudevanand in 2023 for obtaining orders through misinformation and false documents. This case is currently pending in the Supreme Court. Swami Avimukteshwaranand announced his intention to take legal action against officials who issued the misleading notice, accusing some of them of mistreating children, which will also be subjected to legal proceedings.
'Notice Served for Advocating Cow Protection'
Swami Avimukteshwaranand accused the mela administration of discrimination, pointing out that camps were allocated to several individuals identified as Shankaracharya without notice, whereas he received a notice for advocating cow protection—despite a previous Mahakumbh souvenir featuring his photo titled 'Jagatguru Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand.'
What's the Entire Controversy?
It was noted that an altercation between Swami Avimukteshwaranand's disciples and the mela administration ensued during the Magh Mela. This incident occurred on Mauni Amavasya when Swami Avimukteshwaranand was en route to a ritual bath with his disciples. The altercation reportedly led to the breaking of his canopy. According to his disciples, they were assaulted, prompting Swami Avimukteshwaranand to sit on a hunger strike.
Following the incident, the issue escalated with the mela administration serving him a notice on Tuesday, demanding a clarification of his status as Shankaracharya within 24 hours. Swami Avimukteshwaranand addressed this notice during a press conference.
Former Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot Condemns
The matter has also turned political, with former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot condemning the incident in a post, calling it unfortunate and disgraceful that authorities displayed such behavior towards a revered Shankaracharya, prompting Swami Avimukteshwaranand to abstain from food and water in protest. He criticized the BJP government, highlighting this incident as emblematic of destructive decision-making.
The scriptures proclaim:
'Nahi Prabhavshnuh Kashchidapi, Avamany Tapasvinah Kshemam Gantum'
which translates to: No powerful person or ruler can achieve well-being by disrespecting saints. The BJP government should immediately apologize for the offense done to the sages.'
