PRESS RELEASE
Hosapete, Karnataka – June 20, 2025:

Controversy Over Use of “Shankaracharya” “Peethadhipati” Title by Vidhishekhara Bharati , cheating the people, devotees, public, and tredition, Sringeri Pontiff Sri Bharati Teertha , Vidhushekhara Bharati , Administrator P.A Murali Face Legal Challenge,

A significant legal challenge has been brought before the Principal Civil Judge and JMFC Court, Hosapete, involving one of the most revered institutions of Hindu monastic tradition — the Sringeri Sharada Peetham. The petitioner, Sri Govindananda Saraswati Swamiji, a disciple in the lineage of Jagadguru Shankaracharya, has filed a civil case alleging unauthorized use of the titles “Jagadguru” and “Shankaracharya” by Sri Vidhushekhara Bharati of Sringeri.

The case has been registered under Case Number: O.S./0000031/2025 (CNR No: KABI410004632025) and is scheduled for its next hearing on June 24, 2025, before the Principal Civil Judge and JMFC, Hosapete.

Respondents in the Case:
Swami Sri Govindananda Saraswati ( Shishya) Badari, Dwaraka Jagadguru Shankaracharya ji,
Vs
Sri Bharathi Teertha Swamiji, current Peethadhipathi, Sringeri
Sri Vidhushekhara Bharati, Sringeri
Sri P.A. Murali, Administrative Officer, Sringeri Math

Core Allegations:
Sri Govindananda Saraswati Swamiji has claimed:
The Sringeri Math is in violation of the Mathamnaya Mahanushasanam, a foundational text law act governing Shankaracharya Peethams.

There cannot be two pontiffs (Peethadhipathis) in the same Peetham. Sri Vidhushekhara Bharati’s use of the titles is considered unauthorized while the current pontiff, Sri Bharathi Teertha Swamiji, is still alive and active.

The Sringeri Math has allegedly failed to provide scriptural or legal justification (Pramanas) for dual leadership despite repeated requests and challenges for debate (Shastrartha), which were reportedly declined.

The petitioner has further alleged deception of devotees, public, and authorities through the misuse of religious titles.

Additionally, Sri Vidhushekhara Bharati was declared a defaulter in Rajahmundry and Prayagraj, and has been labeled a “fake baba” in previous disputes.

Court’s Direction:
Earlier, the court had issued a directive to publish the petition notice in all leading newspapers, giving a one-month period for the respondents to reply. The court is now set to hear the matter in full on June 24, 2025.

Related Legal Action:
Sri Govindananda Saraswati has also filed a contempt petition against Sri Bharathi Teertha Swamiji, Sri Vidhushekhara Bharati, and administrator Sri P.A. Murali in connection with the Jyotirmath succession dispute, further intensifying the legal scrutiny on Sringeri Peetham.

This case is likely to have far-reaching religious and legal consequences, particularly regarding the succession norms and title usage within Hindu monastic institutions.

Further updates will follow as the hearing proceeds.

Contact for Media Inquiries:
spokesperson :
Jagadguru Shankaracharya Uttaramnaya Badari Jyotirmath Badarikashram Seva Samiti (R), Delhi
jyotirmathbadari@gmail.com,
www.badarijyotirmath.org