The Sai Temple authority in Lucknow has filed a petition in the Allahabad High Court demanding an FIR against Shankaracharya of Dwarkapeeth Swaroopananda Saraswati for hurting religious sentiments.
The spat between Sai devotees and Swaroopanada Saraswati has turned ugly in the last few days after the latter stoked a huge controversy by issuing objectionable remarks against Sai Baba of Shirdi.
The petition alleges that the controversial remarks made by the Swaroopanada Saraswati have hurt the religious sentiments of thousands of followers of Sai Baba, hence legal action should be taken against the Shankaracharya. The court is expected to take up the case on July 04.
The Shankaracharya recently triggered a controversy by saying that worshipping Sai Baba was a conspiracy to divide Hindus. He had also said that Sai Baba should not be worshipped as he was a human being and not a God, and his temples should not be built. His statement was severely condemned by the followers of the saint.