Court Denies Contempt Plea Against Swami

The Allahabad High Court has turned down a contempt application brought against Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and his disciple Mukundanand Brahmachari. The application, filed by Ashutosh Brahmachari Maharaj, sought punitive measures for alleged non-compliance with a prior court order.

The court's order was originally issued in connection with anticipatory bail granted in a POCSO case lodged at Prayagraj. Justice Dinesh Pathak concluded that the petitioner could instead file for a revocation of the anticipatory bail if the conditions of the bail are being flouted.

The contempt application claimed that Avimukteshwaranand was violating the court's directives by holding meetings and making public statements. This development follows Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal recusing himself from the proceedings, prompting the Chief Justice to appoint Justice Pathak to the case.

(With inputs from agencies.)