SC grants bail to priest in Mahant Narendra Giri's death case

India Jan 14, 2026

Priest Aadya Prasad Tiwari, arrested over the 2021 death of Akhara Parishad chief Mahant Narendra Giri, has been granted bail by the Supreme Court.
Tiwari was first accused of abetment to suicide, but later faced more serious charges like murder and conspiracy after a CBI investigation.

What's happening with the trial?

Tiwari had been in jail since September 2021. The CBI claims he, his son, and Mahant Narendra Giri's disciple caused mental distress that led to Giri's death.
But with only three out of 150 witnesses examined so far, the court noted the trial could drag on.
Tiwari is out on bail for now but must not influence witnesses or skip court—breaking these rules could land him back behind bars.