Spiritual Leader Chaitanyananda Saraswati Sent to 14-Day Judicial Custody in Sexual Harassment Case

A Delhi court has ordered a 14-day judicial custody for spiritual leader Chaitanyananda Saraswati, the head priest of Shri Sidhdata Ashram in Faridabad. This development comes after his arrest in connection with a sexual harassment case filed by a woman disciple, sending ripples through the spiritual community.

Metropolitan Magistrate Apoorva Rana at Saket Courts presided over the proceedings, where the spiritual guru was presented following his arrest on Monday.

The police, while seeking his judicial custody, informed the court that further custodial interrogation was not required at this stage of the investigation, leading to the decision for a 14-day remand.

The grave allegations against Saraswati stem from a complaint lodged by a woman at the Fatehpur Beri police station.

According to the FIR, the woman, who had been a disciple since 2012 and resided at the ashram from 2016, alleged that the sexual harassment began in 2017. She claimed she was subjected to intimidation and threats, preventing her from reporting the incidents earlier.

Saraswati has been booked under stringent sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 354A (sexual harassment), and 506 (criminal intimidation).

These charges underscore the serious nature of the accusations being investigated by the authorities.

During the court hearing, Advocate Satya Prakash, representing Chaitanyananda Saraswati, vehemently contested the allegations. He argued that the complaint was fabricated, designed solely to tarnish his client's reputation.

Prakash brought to the court's attention a previous settlement between the parties concerning a land dispute, suggesting that the current complaint was a calculated attempt at extortion. He also highlighted Saraswati's advanced age and health concerns while seeking bail, though the request was ultimately denied.

The investigation into this high-profile case is currently ongoing.

Authorities had previously issued notices to Chaitanyananda Saraswati, requesting his cooperation and presence for questioning, before his eventual arrest. The court's decision to place him in judicial custody ensures that the legal process can continue while maintaining the integrity of the ongoing probe.