The Delhi High Court has declined to grant interim relief to Jyotir Peeth Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati in a defamation suit he filed against Swami Govindananda Saraswati alleging the remark "fake baba" made by the latter and supported by the Congress party.
Court’s Observations
The court presided by Justice Navin Chawla acknowledged that the remarks were inappropriate:
"These are in bad taste. I think he is just frustrated, but I don't think there is any defamation."
In a direct address to Avimukteshwaranand’s counsel, the Court questioned the relevance of such concerns for a spiritual leader:
"You are a saint. Why are you worried about this? Saints should not be worried about all of this. They can’t be defamed by any of this. Saints command respect through their own deeds."
These remarks reflect the Court's view that spiritual leaders should rise above such disputes, focusing instead on their actions and teachings rather than engaging in legal battles over personal slights.
Allegations Against Avimukteshwaranand
In a press conference held on July 21 by Govindananda, he made serious accusations against Avimukteshwaranand for not only calling him "farzi baba" (fake baba), "dhongi baba" (fraudulent baba), and "chor baba" (thief baba) but also accused him of kidnapping, having a criminal history, and stealing ₹7,000 crore worth of gold. Furthermore, Avimukteshwaranand was alleged of having illicit relationships with sadhvis and faced criminal cases.
Ongoing battle
While the Court refused to grant interim relief, it issued a notice to the defendants, including Govindananda and several news platforms, setting the stage for further legal examination on August 29. Avimukteshwaranand’s legal team continues to pursue the defamation suit, arguing that the allegations have caused significant harm to his reputation.
Govindananda’s remarks have sparked controversy, especially his assertion that:
"One fake baba called Mukteshwaranand is getting popular these days. PM Modi has touched his feet and a big businessman like Ambani welcomed him to his home. Some people on TV are giving him the tag of 'Shankaracharya'. I want to give this message to all the citizens of the country that Mukteshwaranand is fake number one, he is not even deserving of adding sadhu, sant or sanyasi to his name so forget about Shankaracharya."
These comments add to the already complex and contentious relationship between religious figures and political influences in India.
Conclusion
The Delhi High Court has treaded carefully given the involvement of two highly influential parties with sensitive religious titles. The next hearing is scheduled for August 29 and will be keenly monitored by the people following the legal battle between two spiritual leaders.
TAGS: Delhi High Court Jyotir Peeth Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati Swami Govindananda Saraswati defamation suit fake baba Congress party
