A Mathura court has taken cognisance of a complaint filed against spiritual orator Aniruddhacharya over allegedly derogatory and misogynistic remarks he made about women in a video that went viral across India in October. The Chief Judicial Magistrate’s court accepted the complaint submitted by Meera Rathore, Agra District President of the All India Hindu Mahasabha, and scheduled January 1 for recording her statement, marking the first formal step toward potential criminal proceedings.
The controversy stems from an undated video clip in which Aniruddhacharya is heard saying that men are now marrying women at the age of 25, and by that age, “they have already gone around with several men.” The remarks sparked nationwide outrage, with women’s organisations, activists, and social groups condemning his statements as deeply disrespectful and harmful. Many demanded legal action, arguing that such comments perpetuate misogyny and reinforce negative stereotypes about women.
Rathore initially lodged a complaint with the Vrindavan Police Station, but no action followed. Frustrated by the lack of response, she approached the Mathura court seeking the registration of an FIR. Speaking to ANI after the court accepted her plea, she said she expected the legal process to move forward and reiterated her demand that Aniruddhacharya be jailed for insulting women.
Following the backlash, Aniruddhacharya issued a public apology, claiming his comments had been taken out of context and that he had been referring only to “some women, not all.” He also alleged that the video had been selectively edited to create a misleading narrative. Despite his apology, outrage has continued, with many critics insisting that accountability is essential to deter public figures from making such statements.
