Amid a controversy over authorities reportedly preventing Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati from taking a holy dip in the Ganga, the Prayagraj Mela administration has issued a notice asking him to explain his use of the title “Shankaracharya of Jyotish Peeth.”

The dispute began on Sunday when Saraswati, accompanied by his followers, was on his way to bathe at the Sangam during Mauni Amavasya, but the police allegedly stopped him. In response, Saraswati staged a protest outside his camp, giving up food and water, and demanded an apology from senior mela and police officials. The protest is ongoing.

The notice, issued by Prayagraj Mela Authority Vice Chairman Dayanand Prasad, referred to a pending civil appeal in the Supreme Court, which prohibits the consecration of any religious leader as Shankaracharya of Jyotish Peeth until the case is resolved. The notice also stated that Saraswati had displayed the title on a board at his camp during the Prayagraj Magh Mela 2025-26, disregarding the Supreme Court order.

Reacting to the notice, Saraswati’s media in-charge Shailendra Yogiraj claimed that Swami Ji had already been consecrated as Shankaracharya before the Supreme Court ruling. Yogiraj alleged that while Saraswati was proceeding peacefully to the Sangam on his palanquin, the police forced him down and beat up his supporters, injuring around 15 people, all of whom underwent medical examinations.

Swami Ji has vowed not to enter his camp until the Mela administration issues an apology and arranges for him to bathe according to protocol.

Mela official Rishiraj stated that Saraswati and his followers breached barricades to reach the Sangam Nose, prompting the administration to intervene to prevent a stampede. He added that several sadhus and seers had taken the holy dip and that safety arrangements for devotees and Kalpvasis were strictly implemented.

The Congress party criticized the BJP over the incident, calling it a “shameful act” and demanded Prime Minister Narendra Modi intervene.