Hans News Service Bengaluru

TheKarnataka High Court has expressed serious concern over the manner in which anticipatory bail was granted to Vachanananda Swamiji of the Harihar Panchamasali Peetha in Davanagere district, who is facing allegations of child abuse and offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

The case came up before a bench headed by Justice M. Nagaprasanna while hearing a petition filed by the mother of a minor boy challenging the anticipatory bail granted to the seer by a Davanagere district court. During the hearing, the High Court observed that the anticipatory bail appeared to have been granted even before a formal complaint was registered, describing the development as “shocking” and prima facie improper.

The court noted that serious offences had been invoked against the seer under the POCSO Act and remarked that the manner in which anticipatory bail was granted required judicial scrutiny. The bench issued notice to Vachanananda Swamiji and adjourned further hearing of the matter to June 23.

The controversy surrounding the seer has been building over the past several months. In April, trustees of the Panchamasali Peetha removed him from the religious institution. Of the 15 trustees, 13 participated in a meeting and unanimously resolved to remove him from the post. The dispute reportedly stemmed from the management of two religious institutions. Trustees alleged that despite repeated requests to choose between the two peethas, the seer failed to comply.

Separately, complaints were also raised by children residing in the mutt. Some of them allegedly accused the seer of verbally abusing and harassing them. Following these allegations, officials of the Child Welfare Committee visited the institution and conducted an inquiry.

Subsequently, based on a complaint lodged by the mother of a minor boy, a POCSO case was registered against the seer. Authorities have already questioned him in connection with the allegations and conducted a medical examination as part of the investigation.

Anticipating arrest in the case, Vachanananda Swamiji approached the Davanagere district court seeking anticipatory bail on April 21. The district court granted him relief subject to certain conditions. However, with the High Court now expressing reservations about the process, attention has shifted to the next hearing, where the legality of the bail order is expected to come under closer examination.