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An 8-page legal reply has deepened the Shankaracharya row as Swami Avimukteshwaranand firmly claims the title, cites Supreme Court orders, and warns the Prayagraj Mela Authority of contempt action if its notice isn’t withdrawn.
Swami Avimukteshwaranand hits back at Mela authority notice
Prayagraj: The controversy surrounding the Shankaracharya post has further escalated after the Prayagraj Mela Authority issued a notice questioning the claim. In a strong rebuttal, Shri Vidya Math head Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati has sent an eight-page detailed legal response to the Mela Authority through senior Supreme Court advocate A.K. Mishra.
In his reply, Swami Avimukteshwaranand has categorically rejected all allegations and asserted, “Yes, I am the Shankaracharya.”
In the response, Swami Avimukteshwaranand stated that Brahmaleen Shankaracharya Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati had appointed him as his successor during his lifetime. Following Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati’s demise on September 11, 2022, his formal coronation was conducted on September 12, 2022, in accordance with Vedic rituals.
He added that the consecration ceremony was held publicly and that all related facts have already been placed before the Supreme Court.
The reply cites the Supreme Court’s order dated October 14, 2022, which records the fact of his anointment. It further clarifies that no court has issued any stay order restraining him from functioning as Shankaracharya.
Swami Avimukteshwaranand also claimed the support of the Shankaracharyas of Sringeri, Dwarka, and Puri Peeths, strengthening his position.
The response mentions recognition granted by the Bharat Dharma Mahamandal and asserts that the registered will of Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati is fully valid. It also refers to the Gujarat High Court’s dismissal of a petition challenging the will.
Additionally, Swami Avimukteshwaranand pointed out that a defamation case filed in the Delhi High Court over statements made by the opposing party was later withdrawn by them.
Terming the Mela Authority’s notice as beyond its jurisdiction, Swami Avimukteshwaranand called it unconstitutional. He stated that matters related to the Shankaracharya post are sub judice before the Supreme Court, and any third-party intervention amounts to improper administrative interference that undermines religious tradition and institutional dignity.
In a clear warning, the reply states that if the Mela Authority fails to withdraw the notice within 24 hours, legal proceedings will be initiated, including contempt of court and action for allegedly attempting to damage the Shankaracharya tradition and his personal reputation. The legal response has also been formally sent to the Vice Chairman of the Mela Authority via email.
