Delhi High Court Issues Notice in Defamation Suit Between Saints

The Delhi High Court has issued a notice on the interim injunction application in a civil defamation suit filed by Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati against Govindanand Saraswati. The court emphasized that a saint's reputation is built through actions, scheduling further hearing for August 29 without granting temporary injunction.

On Tuesday, the Delhi High Court issued a notice regarding the interim injunction application in a civil defamation suit filed by Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati against Govindanand Saraswati. Justice Navin Chawla's bench suggested that saints should focus on their actions rather than legal battles to establish their respect and reputation.

The defamation suit, filed on Monday by Avimukteshwaranand, accuses Govindanand of calling him a 'fake baba' and claiming that he has political backing from the Indian National Congress Party. The court stressed that a saint's true standing is determined by conduct and character, not litigation over defamation.

During the hearing, the court scheduled further proceedings for August 29 but did not grant an ex parte interim injunction, meaning no temporary order will be issued until both parties present their cases. Avimukteshwaranand's lawyer contended that Govindanand made multiple damaging accusations, including calling him derogatory names and alleging serious criminal activities, such as kidnapping and gold theft.

The lawyer clarified that while Govindanand claimed there were criminal cases against Avimukteshwaranand, only one case was relevant, which was filed during the Akhilesh Yadav government and later withdrawn by Yogi Adityanath's administration.

Govindanand's recent sensational allegations against Avimukteshwaranand included labeling him a 'fake baba' and accusing him of heinous crimes like murder and kidnapping. He also criticized the media for referring to Avimukteshwaranand as a Shankaracharya, asserting that he does not deserve such religious titles.

(With inputs from agencies.)