Prime Minister of India - Dr. Manmohan Singh

Prime Minister expresses concern for Shankaracharya's health

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has written a letter to the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Dr. J. Jayalalithaa requesting the State Government to "take all such measures as appropriate to ensure the physical well being" of Swami Jayendra Saraswati, the Shankaracharya of the Kamakoti Peetham at Kanchipuram.

The Prime Minister also observed that, "an investigation involving a person of his eminence needs to be conducted with extreme care and consideration".

Stating that the Swamiji was arrested by the Tamil Nadu police in connection with the investigation into the murder of a former employee of the Kanchi Math, the Prime Minister observed, "I believe that the Government of Tamil Nadu has had to take this extreme step of arresting Swamiji keeping in view the gravity of the allegations against His Holiness in the murder case".

Dr. Singh added, "Whereas it is extremely important that due processes of law must not be interfered with and that law must be allowed to take its own course, it is also relevant to note that Swamiji keeps indifferent health. His Holiness also enjoys a high religious status and position in society. The sentiments of many individuals are closely associated with His Holiness' well-being."