Supreme Court rejects hearing of petition for police action against disciples of Avimukteshwarananda!

The Supreme Court on Monday refused to hear a public interest litigation (PIL) alleging alleged police excesses against disciples of Swami Avimukteshwaranand during the Magh Mela held in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.

During the hearing, the bench comprising CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Vipul Pancholi said that matters related to law and order come under the jurisdiction of the state government.

The court said that the petitioner can give representation to the concerned authorities and demand appropriate action as per law.

This PIL was filed under Article 32 by advocate Ujjwal Gaur in his own appearance. In this, allegations were made of ‘arbitrary, violent and unconstitutional action’ by the state during the Magh Mela in Prayagraj, especially on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya.

The petition claimed that the Batukas, who were accompanying Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati of Jyotish Peeth (Jyotirmath), were ‘forcibly dragged, attacked and brutally beaten’ by policemen when they tried to take a traditional bath at the Sangam on January 18.

Citing videos and photographs related to the incident, the petition said that the minors were pulled by their braids and force was used on them. It was termed as ‘cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment’ in violation of Articles 14, 21 and 25 of the Constitution.

The petition also raised questions over the notices issued by the Prayagraj Mela administration, which alleged misuse of the religious title of ‘Shankaracharya’ and warned of cancellation of land allotment and facilities.

Seeking the Supreme Court’s intervention, the petitioner had sought to create a uniform standard operating procedure (SOP) for coordination between state authorities and religious leaders during large religious events, such as the Magh Mela, and to ensure protection of the dignity and rights of Sadhus-Batuks.

Magh Mela started from 3rd January till Mahashivratri on 15th February and it was organized under the supervision of Uttar Pradesh Government.

The controversy began during the holy bathing festival of Mauni Amavasya, when Swami Avimukteshwarananda was attempting to proceed to the Sangam with the traditional palanquin procession.

Prayagraj administration stopped the procession due to security reasons citing huge crowd and no-vehicle zone policy. This was followed by a clash between Swami’s disciples and policemen, leading to allegations of assault.

In protest, Swami Avimukteshwaranand staged a sit-in and reportedly went on a fast demanding an apology from the administration.