During the ongoing Magh Mela in Prayagraj, the Prayagraj Mela Authority has issued notices to two camps associated with Swami Avimukteshwaranand over alleged violations of established regulations. The action follows incidents reported on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya, which the administration has described as serious due to the sensitivity of the bathing day.
According to the Mela Authority, the two camps were served show-cause notices seeking written explanations within 24 hours. The authority has warned that failure to provide a satisfactory response could result in stringent action, including the imposition of a permanent ban from the Magh Mela area.
The administration has stated that the matter goes beyond procedural violations and raises concerns regarding security arrangements and crowd management at the Magh Mela, which draws large numbers of devotees.
The notices were issued to the operators of the Shri Shankaracharya Ashram and the Badrinath Himalaya Seva Camp. Both camps are linked to Swami Avimukteshwaranand. The Mela Authority has said that activities associated with these camps disrupted arrangements within the fair area and had the potential to endanger the safety of large numbers of pilgrims.
The authority has reiterated in the notice that compliance with regulations is mandatory for all individuals and institutions participating in the Magh Mela, regardless of status or affiliation.
According to the administration, on 18 January, the day of Mauni Amavasya, a heavy influx of devotees gathered for the Sangam bath. Special directives were in force permitting only pedestrian movement within the Mela area, with a complete prohibition on vehicular entry.
It is alleged that during this period, Swami Avimukteshwaranand and his disciples, while conducting a palanquin chariot procession, broke a barrier installed at reserved category Peepa Number Two. Following this, vehicles reportedly entered the Mela area through the Sangam Upper Road without authorisation.
The Mela Authority has described the incident as a serious violation, stating that Mauni Amavasya is an extremely sensitive occasion due to the presence of lakhs of devotees in the Sangam area. The administration has said that unauthorised vehicle movement caused disorder and created significant difficulties in crowd control, with the potential risk of a stampede.
The notice also refers to an alleged violation of directives issued by the Supreme Court. According to the Mela Authority, despite restrictions imposed by the court, Swami Avimukteshwaranand described himself as a Shankaracharya and displayed boards and hoardings carrying the title within the Mela area. The authority has stated that the use of this designation in public spaces is against the applicable rules and court directions.
The administration has stated that facilities and land allotments provided to the camps may be cancelled if the explanation submitted is not found satisfactory. It has further warned that a permanent restriction on future entry into the Magh Mela area could also be imposed.
The Mela Authority has emphasised that the Magh Mela is not only a religious gathering but also a large-scale public event where security and discipline are of paramount importance. The administration has stated that no individual or organisation can be placed above the rules governing the event.
Responding to the action, Swami Avimukteshwaranand’s media in-charge, Shailendra Sarkar, has questioned the administration’s move and alleged that it is being driven by political vendetta. He claimed that the notice was affixed to the rear wall of the camp without prior information and was backdated. He said the notice came to light only after staff members informed them. He added that a response to the notice is being prepared and will be submitted to the Mela Authority.
