Overview

• In a July 28 sermon that went viral, Premanand Maharaj said men with multiple past partners develop a habit of adultery and women lose the courage to marry after several relationships.
• Social media users overwhelmingly condemned the comments as regressive and harmful while a small faction defended them as cultural reminders.
• Women’s rights activists warned that such remarks could strengthen patriarchal norms and justify discrimination under the guise of religious tradition.
• Observers compared the backlash to earlier controversies involving Aniruddhacharya and other gurus known for similar sexist pronouncements.
• Despite mounting pressure from civil society and voices within spiritual circles, Premanand Maharaj has not issued any public clarification.