Team Clarion
NEW DELHI — In a striking statement, Shankaracharya Swami Nishchalananda Saraswati of Puri, a revered Hindu spiritual leader, claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath would have faced legal consequences and possibly imprisonment if India had a robust and impartial justice system.
He accused them of appointing a “terrorist” as a Shankaracharya, and questioned as to what can be a bigger crime, according to media reports.
Speaking to the media in Ujjain after attending the Dharmasabha organised by the Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple Management Committee, the Shankaracharya questioned the accountability of the country’s leadership. “A terrorist is being paraded as a Shankaracharya. Is this the duty of the Prime Minister and Chief Minister? There is no judicial system in India capable of punishing them for this,” he remarked.
During a public discourse addressing the state of governance, justice, and accountability in Indiahe criticised the current political leadership for allegedly bypassing ethical and judicial norms, suggesting that their actions have gone unchecked due to systemic weaknesses in the justice system.
The Shankaracharya emphasised the need for a strong and independent judiciary that functions without influence from political or economic power centers. He suggested that the judiciary’s perceived inability to act against powerful political figures undermines public trust.
By pointing fingers at Modi and Yogi, two of the most prominent leaders in Indian politics, Shankaracharya highlighted concerns about governance and alleged violations of constitutional principles. Though he did not provide specific examples, his statement implied dissatisfaction with the handling of policies and decisions impacting citizens.
As a spiritual figure, Shankaracharya, according to media reports, also underlined the importance of morality and ethics in leadership. He argued that leaders must adhere to higher standards of integrity and accountability, failing which they should be held accountable by the justice system.
Former Union Minister and BJP leader Subramanian Swamy agreeing with Shankaracharya’s statement called him ‘the fearless Jagatguru.’
Shankaracharya’s remarks reflect a growing sentiment among some sections of society regarding the need for a more transparent and robust justice system. While his statements have stirred debate, they also underscore the importance of ensuring that justice is impartial and that no individual, regardless of their position, is above the law. The controversy highlights the broader discourse on governance, accountability, and the role of spiritual leaders in addressing societal issues.
