The Allahabad High Court has granted anticipatory bail to Swami Avimukteshwaranand and another in a POCSO case while offering him protection from arrest in connection with a case filed against him. The decision comes as a relief to the religious leader, who had approached the court seeking legal protection amid ongoing proceedings. The religious leader had term the case against him as ‘politically motivated’ and that he has been falsely implicated.
The single-judge bench of Justice Jitendra Kumar Sinha granted anticipatory bail to Swami Avimukteshwaranand and Swami Pratyakchaitanya Mukundanand Giri. While hearing the plea, the court examined the circumstances surrounding the case and considered the submissions made by both sides. It ultimately concluded that custodial interrogation was not necessary at this stage, paving the way for granting anticipatory bail.
As part of the relief, the court directed that in the event of arrest, Swami Avimukteshwaranand should be released on bail, subject to certain conditions. These typically include cooperating with the investigation, appearing before authorities when required, and refraining from influencing witnesses or tampering with evidence.
The case against the seer had drawn attention due to his public profile and the nature of the allegations. His counsel argued that the charges were unfounded and that he was being unnecessarily targeted, while the prosecution maintained its stance on the need for investigation.
The court’s order underscores the principle that anticipatory bail serves as a safeguard against potential misuse of arrest powers, particularly in cases where the necessity of immediate custody is not clearly established.
With this interim protection in place, the legal process will continue, and the matter is expected to proceed in accordance with law as further hearings take place.