New Delhi, February 16: The Supreme Court on Monday declined to entertain a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that alleged police brutality against the disciples of Swami Avimukteshwaranand during the Magh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice Vipul Pancholi observed that law and order issues fall under the jurisdiction of the state government. The Court noted that the petitioner was free to approach the relevant authorities with a formal complaint and seek appropriate action as per the law.
The PIL was filed by advocate Ujjawal Gaur, who appeared in person, accusing the state of "arbitrary, violent, and unconstitutional" actions against the disciples during the Magh Mela, specifically on the day of Mauni Amavasya. The petition claimed that minor students accompanying Swami Avimukteshwaranand, the Shankaracharya of Jyotish Peeth (Jyotirmath), were "forcibly dragged, assaulted, and brutally beaten" by the police when they attempted to take the traditional holy dip at the Sangam on January 18.
The petition referred to videos and images showing the minors allegedly being pulled by their hair and subjected to physical violence, claiming the incident violated the constitutional rights under Articles 14, 21, and 25. The plea also raised concerns over notices issued by the Prayagraj Mela administration, which questioned the misuse of the title 'Shankaracharya' and threatened the cancellation of land allotments and facilities for the event.
The petitioner sought the Supreme Court's intervention to establish uniform Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for state authorities when engaging with religious leaders during large-scale events like the Magh Mela, aiming to ensure the protection of the dignity and rights of both ascetics and minors.
The controversy stemmed from an incident during the Mauni Amavasya bathing festival at the Magh Mela, when Swami Avimukteshwaranand attempted to travel to the Sangam in a traditional palanquin procession. The Prayagraj administration intervened, citing safety concerns and a "no-vehicle zone" policy due to the large crowd. The situation escalated when a scuffle broke out between the police and the disciples, leading to accusations of manhandling.
In response to the incident, Swami Avimukteshwaranand staged a dharna, refusing food and water, and demanded an apology from the authorities. The standoff intensified when the Magh Mela Authority issued a notice questioning his right to use the title 'Shankaracharya'.
