Overview
- Prayagraj Magh Mela Authority reissued a notice warning revocation of land and a permanent bar, alleging a barricade breach, unauthorized vehicle use and stampede risk, and seeking a 24‑hour reply.
- A separate notice challenges Swami Avimukteshwaranand’s use of the title ‘Shankaracharya’, citing a pending Supreme Court case and a 2022 stay on coronation.
- The seer, on a sit‑in since Mauni Amavasya, denies protocol violations, says he traveled in a hand‑carried palanquin, alleges police misbehavior, and threatens civil, criminal and constitutional action.
- Mela officials maintain the notices were issued on January 18–19 and say they possess dated photographs and video to support their claims.
- Politics widened the dispute as CM Yogi Adityanath cautioned against ‘Kaal Nemi‑like’ forces, Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya urged the seer to bathe and promised an inquiry, and opposition leaders accused the BJP of insulting saints; the seer later fell ill briefly but resumed his protest.