NEW DELHI: Legal proceedings have been initiated against Hindu preacher Pandit Aniruddhacharya in India following allegations that he made highly derogatory comments concerning the dignity of women and marriage. This move signals a legal push for accountability regarding the public statements of senior religious figures.
According to Indian media, a court has accepted for hearing a complaint filed by Meera Rathore, the District President of the All India Hindu Mahasabha in Agra. The court has scheduled the case hearing for January 1st.
The controversy erupted several months ago when Aniruddhacharya allegedly made offensive remarks about young girls and marriage, leading to severe criticism from women’s organizations and widespread backlash across social media platforms.
The complainant, Meera Rathore, termed the comments contrary to tradition and demanded the preacher’s arrest and the registration of a formal case. Rathore’s counsel confirmed that they were compelled to seek judicial remedy after the local Vrindavan Kotwali Police failed to act upon their initial complaint.
In response to the intense public reaction, Aniruddhacharya issued a clarification, claiming his statements were presented “out of context.” He asserted that the widely circulated clip did not contain his full speech, and thus, the impression created on social media misrepresented his original intent.
