A criminal case has been reportedly registered against spiritual leader Aniruddhacharya by the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) court in Agra.
The complaint was filed by Meera Rathore, Agra District President of the All India Hindu Mahasabha, regarding crass remarks made by the seer about women’s marriageable age and character. This legal step follows a viral video from October 2025 that triggered widespread criticism.
The court has accepted the private petition after police reportedly failed to act on the initial complaint. The judicial process will now proceed with the formal recording of Rathore’s statement on 1 January.
Aniruddhacharya has issued a clarification, claiming his statements were taken out of context, but the complainant remains determined to secure accountability.
The Controversial Sermon and Legal Escalation
The legal action stems from an October 2025 sermon where Aniruddhacharya made sweeping generalisations about women marrying at the age of 25. He was heard implying that such women were prone to promiscuity, stating that by that age, many “have been in relationships with multiple men” and that their youth would have “slipped away somewhere.”
This video prompted immediate public outrage. When the initial complaint filed by Meera Rathore at the Vrindavan police station did not result in an FIR, she escalated the matter by filing a private petition with the CJM court in Agra. This move forced the judiciary to take cognisance, registering the case and ensuring the matter progresses legally.
Who is Spiritual Leader Aniruddhacharya?
Born Anil Ram Tiwari on 27 September 1989 in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, Aniruddhacharya is a well-known Indian religious orator and spiritual teacher. He primarily delivers discourses centred on Hindu scriptures, especially the Bhagavata Purana.
He is the founder of the Gauri Gopal Ashram in Vrindavan, where he is based. Beyond his spiritual teachings, the ashram is noted for its extensive charitable work, which includes running an old-age home, providing cow protection, and operating the Annapurna Rasoi, which serves meals to thousands of needy individuals daily.
A History of Controversial Remarks
This is not the first time Aniruddhacharya has courted public controversy over his statements. In 2022, he drew widespread criticism for misogynistic remarks suggesting that “excessive beauty in women is a fault,” claiming that revered figures like Sita and Draupadi suffered because they were “more beautiful than necessary.”
These comments led to an FIR being filed against him in Mathura for allegedly insulting revered female figures. Furthermore, in September 2024, he faced backlash and apologised for a statement involving Lord Shiva. He has also been criticised for comments related to clothing, sexual violence, and other social issues.
Stakeholder Reactions and Qualified Apology
The complainant, Meera Rathore, expressed profound determination upon the court’s decision, declaring that such derogatory and sexist statements were entirely unbecoming of a religious personality. She told ANI, “He should be sent to jail. I had vowed that until he is sent to prison, I would not open my hair braids.”
Aniruddhacharya, while offering an apology for having hurt sentiments, defended his remarks by claiming the video was “incomplete” and selectively edited. He argued his intention was to promote good character in both men and women, but critics maintain he unfairly focused his condemnation on women’s lifestyle choices.
