PRESS RELEASE
Hosapete, Karnataka –03 July 2025:
Controversy Over Use of “Shankaracharya” “Peethadhipati” Title by Vidhishekhara Bharati,
cheating the people, devotees, public, and tredition,
a court case filed in Karnataka againest Sringeri Pontiff 1)Sri Bharati Teertha, 2) Vidhushekhara Bharati , 3) Administrator P.A Murali Face Legal Challenge, hearing date on 5th July 2025
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, Swami Sri Govindananda Saraswati Swamiji a disciple in the lineage of Badari, Dwaraka 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 5th July, 2025, before the Principal Civil Judge and JMFC, Hosapete.
Case Between :
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 ( Sringeri ) to reply. The court is now set to hear the matter in full on 05 July 2025.
Related Legal Action:
in the issue of Jyotirmth case in Supreme Court
H.H Sri Govindananda Saraswati has also filed a contempt petition in SC against Sringeri H.H Sri Bharathi Teertha Swamiji, Sri Vidhushekhara Bharati, and administrator Sri P.A. Murali
for Media Inquiries:
spokesperson :
Jagadguru Shankaracharya Uttaramnaya Badari Jyotirmath Badarikashram Seva Samiti (R), Delhi
jyotirmathbadari@gmail.com,
www.badarijyotirmath.org