A special POCSO court in Uttar Pradesh has directed the registration of a criminal case against a prominent seer over allegations of sexual abuse of minors at his ashram, bringing fresh legal scrutiny on the religious figure.

The court in Prayagraj on Saturday (February 21) ordered police to file a first information report (FIR) against Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and one of his aides, Mukundanand Giri, over allegations of sexually exploitation of two minor children at his ashram.

The FIR was ordered by Additional Sessions Judge Vinod Kumar Chaurasia while hearing a plea by Shakumbhari Peethadhishwar Ashutosh Brahmachari Maharaj, The Hindu reported.

The plea has accused the religious leader of forcing himself on minor children, aged 14 and 17 years, at his ashram.

The court noted that the plea’s allegations are supported by sworn affidavits and were examined in an initial enquiry conducted by the Prayagraj Police Commissioner during which the victims said that they were sexually abused during the Magh Mela in Prayagraj last month. It has been alleged that the religious leader sexually abused them under the pretext of religious guidance in a relationship between a guru and disciple.

The plea has further said while complaints were made to the police, no FIR was registered following which the court had to be approached. The applicant said that complaints were made to the police authorities, including written complaints to the Commissioner of Police, Prayagraj, and the local Station House Officer. However, no FIR was registered, forcing the applicant to approach the court for relief.

The court has directed that a fair and independent probe in compliance with the provisions of the POCSO Act be conducted and the identity and dignity of the victims be protected.

Responding to the development, Avimukteshwaranand said the investigation would establish the facts.

“Yes, it is appropriate. Only when a case is registered will the subsequent process of investigation and recording of testimony be completed. Only then will the truth of the false case filed against us come before everyone, and those responsible for doing this can be punished. Therefore, it is necessary,” he told news agency PTI.

“We would only say that the court should proceed with this at a faster pace without taking too much time, as many people are watching this matter. Testimony should be recorded and a decision taken as soon as possible. What is wrong will remain wrong, and the false case that has been filed will ultimately be proven false,” he added.

In recent months, Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati has been at odds with the Bharatiya Janata Party. Last month, the Prayagraj administration issued him a notice over his use of the title ‘Shankaracharya’, prompting sharp reactions from opposition parties. He is the Shankaracharya of the Jyotish Peeth.

On January 18, during the Prayagraj Magh Mela, reports said he was stopped by police near the Sangam — a site considered sacred for ritual bathing on Mauni Amavasya — and that some of his followers were manhandled. Following the incident, he staged a 48-hour protest near the venue.

Earlier, in January 2024, he had stirred controversy by remarking that “political Hindus” were pleased with the consecration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, but not many “religious Hindus”.

With the court now mandating the registration of an FIR, the case is set to move into the investigative stage, even as the allegations and the seer’s denial are likely to intensify public and political debate.