Overview
- Justice Jitendra Kumar Sinha granted interim protection to Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and disciple Swami Mukundanand Giri, directing that they not be arrested until the court pronounces its order.
- An FIR was lodged at Jhunsi police station on February 21 on a Special POCSO Court’s directive, invoking serious POCSO provisions including aggravated penetrative sexual assault, alongside relevant BNS sections.
- Investigators have recorded victim statements and conducted medical examinations, with reports handed to the investigating officer in a sealed envelope as the probe continues.
- Avimukteshwaranand has denied the allegations, filed a counter‑case citing provisions for false complaints under the POCSO Act, and publicly said he is willing to undergo a narco analysis test; the court has ordered full cooperation with the investigation.
- Parties were asked to file written submissions by March 12, with a final decision on anticipatory bail expected in March, while opposition leaders in Uttar Pradesh publicly welcomed the interim relief.