New Delhi: The Delhi High Court issued a notice concerning an interim injunction in a defamation lawsuit filed by Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati against Govindanand Saraswati on Tuesday. The case centers around allegations made by Govindanand against Avimukteshwaranand.The bench, led by Justice Navin Chawla, remarked that saints should not be troubled by defamation claims. Justice Chawla emphasized that true respect and reputation are earned through ones actions, not through legal disputes. He addressed Avimukteshwaranands counsel, stating, These are in bad taste. I think he is just frustrated, but I dont think there is any defamation. You are a saint. Why are you worried about this Saints should not be worried about all of this. They cant be defamed by any of this. Saints command respect through their deeds,” as reported by Bar and Bench.Hearing scheduled for August 29At the end of the hearing, the court issued a notice regarding the interim injunction request and set the next hearing date for August 29. Avimukteshwaranands lawyer contended that Govindanand had made several damaging statements, labeling him as a “farzi baba,” “dhongi baba,” and “chor baba.” Allegations and contradictionThe lawyer also accused Govindanand of alleging that Avimukteshwaranand was involved in serious criminal activities, including kidnapping, being a history-sheeter, stealing ₹7,000 crore in gold, and having illicit relationships with Sadhvis. It was clarified by Avimukteshwaranands counsel that despite Govindanands claims of criminal cases against Avimukteshwaranand, the only relevant case filed during the Akhilesh Yadav government had been withdrawn by the Yogi Adityanath government.Allegations by GovindanandRecently, Swami Govindananda Saraswati made claims against Swami Avimukteshwaranand, the Shankaracharya of Jyotirmath. Govindanand alleged that Avimukteshwaranand is a fake baba and accused him of severe criminal activities, including murder and kidnapping. He also slammed the media for calling Avimukteshwaranand as a Shankaracharya, saying he doesnt deserve such esteemed titles such as sadhu, sant or sanyasi.
