The ongoing dispute between Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and the Prayagraj district administration at the Magh Mela has intensified significantly. The conflict reached a new peak on Thursday when the seer received a formal notice from the mela authority demanding an explanation for alleged violations that could lead to his permanent eviction from the fairgrounds.
Escalation of the Magh Mela Conflict
Supporters of Swami Saraswati revealed that a fresh notice was posted at their camp, dated January 18, which coincided with Mauni Amavasya. On this sacred day, the seer and his followers claimed they were prevented from taking a holy dip at the Sangam, the revered confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers.
Details of the Authority's Notice
The notice issued by the mela authority specifically accused Swami Saraswati of breaking through a barrier on Triveni Pontoon Bridge No. 2, which was reserved exclusively for emergency purposes. According to the document, he traveled with a crowd in a carriage along Sangam Upper Road without obtaining necessary permissions from competent authorities.
The authority emphasized that despite repeated announcements via loudspeakers and wireless systems by fair police and administration personnel, prohibiting vehicle movement in the Sangam area during peak bathing hours, the violation occurred. This area was strictly designated for pedestrian movement only due to the massive gathering of devotees.
Potential Consequences Outlined
In the notice, the mela authority expressed serious concerns that these actions created significant difficulties in crowd management and posed a potential risk of stampede. Consequently, Swami Saraswati was given a 24-hour ultimatum to provide a satisfactory explanation.
The notice explicitly warned that failure to justify his conduct could result in the revocation of land and facilities allocated to his organization at the mela grounds. Furthermore, it threatened permanent exclusion from future participation in the Magh Mela events.
Swami Saraswati's Forceful Response
In a detailed reply submitted through Supreme Court lawyer Dr. PN Mishra, Swami Saraswati categorically rejected the allegations. He clarified that he was traveling in a "palki" (palanquin) carried by people, not a "chariot" (bagghi) pulled by horses as suggested in the notice.
The seer's legal team strongly advised the mela authority against interfering in matters concerning the Shankaracharya title. They asserted that "questioning the same is beyond the jurisdiction of an administrative officer like you."
Legal Threats and Constitutional Warnings
The response contained a stern warning about potential legal repercussions. Swami Saraswati's team stated that if the authority proceeded with any arbitrary, illegal, unconstitutional, malicious, or unfair actions, they would be compelled to initiate comprehensive legal proceedings.
These proceedings would include civil, criminal, and constitutional actions against the mela authority and responsible officials through appropriate judicial channels. The seer characterized the notice and subsequent actions as deliberate attempts to disrupt religious activities and violate fundamental human rights.
Addressing Specific Allegations
Regarding the accusation of breaking barricades, Swami Saraswati explained that he had engaged in conversation with police personnel stationed at the barrier and obtained permission for it to be opened. This clarification aimed to counter the narrative of unauthorized forceful entry.
Background of the Title Dispute
This recent notice follows previous administrative actions concerning the Shankaracharya title. Earlier, the mela administration had referenced a Supreme Court order from a pending civil appeal that prohibits any religious leader from being enthroned as the Shankaracharya of Jyotishpeeth until the appeal is resolved.
The administration noted that despite this clear directive, Swami Avimukteshwaranand had displayed signage at his Magh Mela camp during the 2025-26 event projecting himself as the Shankaracharya of Jyotishpeeth. This ongoing title controversy adds another layer of complexity to the current confrontation between the spiritual leader and administrative authorities.
The situation remains tense as both parties maintain their positions, with Swami Saraswati's legal team prepared to escalate matters to judicial forums if the mela authority proceeds with eviction or punitive measures based on the contested allegations.
