A prominent Hindu religious leader, Aniruddhacharya, has recently come under fire for making controversial statements about unmarried women, sparking widespread outrage and demands for accountability. The comments, which suggested that unmarried women over the age of 25 have "loose character," have been deemed sexist and misogynistic by many, leading to protests and calls for legal action.
The controversy began after a video circulated on social media purportedly showing Aniruddhacharya making the contentious remarks during a religious discourse in Vrindavan, Mathura. He allegedly stated that girls should be married by the age of 14 to integrate well into their families, further fueling the backlash. These statements were perceived as disrespectful and damaging to women's dignity, prompting strong reactions from various segments of society, including women's organizations, legal professionals, and concerned citizens.
In response to the escalating criticism, Aniruddhacharya issued an apology and attempted to clarify his statements. He claimed that the viral video was generated using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and that his original message had been distorted. He asserted that he did not intend to offend anyone's sentiments and expressed remorse if his words had caused distress. Aniruddhacharya also said that by 25-year-old women, he meant to refer to women who are in live-in relationships with multiple partners and if they get married after that, they would not be able to maintain relationships.
However, this explanation has not quelled the controversy. Critics argue that regardless of the video's authenticity, the sentiments expressed were inappropriate and reflected outdated views on women and marriage. Many continue to demand an unconditional apology and have called for stricter oversight of religious leaders to prevent the dissemination of harmful rhetoric.
The Mathura Bar Association has strongly condemned Aniruddhacharya's remarks, with female advocates staging protests and demanding legal action against him. They have characterized his statements as anti-constitutional, inflammatory, and promoting sexual offenses, urging the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) to register a case against him.
Several prominent figures have also voiced their disapproval. Gujan Sharma, the state president of Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Sangharsh Nyas, expressed outrage and threatened to "hit such a Bhagwatacharya with shoes". Pandit Dinesh Phalahari, the main petitioner in the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple case, criticized Aniruddhacharya's remarks as unbecoming of a spiritual leader.
This is not the first time Aniruddhacharya has faced criticism for his views on women. He has previously made controversial statements on women's clothing, choices in films, and lifestyles, often focusing on moral policing and targeting female behavior. These instances have raised concerns about the responsibility of religious figures and the need for monitoring teachings on religious platforms to prevent the spread of harmful ideas.
The controversy surrounding Aniruddhacharya's remarks highlights the ongoing struggle against sexism and misogyny in India. It also raises important questions about the role of religious leaders in shaping social attitudes and the need for accountability when their words perpetuate harmful stereotypes. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether Aniruddhacharya's apology will be accepted and what further actions, if any, will be taken against him.
