CBI Court Clears Acharya Balkrishna of Charges in 15-Year-Old Passport Case

September 7, 2026

Dehradun: Acharya Balkrishna, Managing Director of Patanjali Yogpeeth and close associate of yoga guru Baba Ramdev, received major relief on Monday after a Special CBI Court in Dehradun acquitted him of all charges in a nearly 15-year-old case related to alleged use of forged educational documents for obtaining an Indian passport.

The case, which began in 2011, involved allegations of fraud, forgery and submission of questionable educational certificates to the passport authorities. After years of legal proceedings, the court cleared Balkrishna of all charges.

Case Began With Complaint in 2011

The matter originated from a complaint received by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in April 2011. Following a preliminary inquiry, the agency registered an FIR in July that year under various sections dealing with criminal conspiracy, cheating, forgery and use of forged documents, along with provisions of the Passport Act.

The CBI had alleged that Balkrishna submitted certain educational certificates to the passport office in Bareilly that were not genuine.

CBI Questioned Educational Certificates

During its investigation, the agency examined certificates reportedly issued by Radhakrishna Sanskrit College in Khurja, Bulandshahr, which was stated to be affiliated with Sampurnanand Sanskrit University.

The CBI raised questions over the authenticity of the documents after examining university records. A charge sheet was subsequently filed before the court in 2012.

High Court Granted Relief During Trial

The legal proceedings continued for several years. In July 2011, the Uttarakhand High Court granted Balkrishna interim protection from arrest and directed him to deposit his passport with the court.

Charges were framed against him in October 2013, which were later amended. His passport remained deposited with the court for a prolonged period before the High Court allowed him to withdraw and renew it in 2018.

Balkrishna Says Truth Has Finally Prevailed

Following Monday’s verdict, Balkrishna expressed gratitude to the court, his supporters and well-wishers. In a Facebook post, he said he had faced humiliation and mental harassment during the 15-year legal battle.

He credited the outcome to God’s grace, his guru’s blessings, the support of elders and the prayers and goodwill of his followers.

Balkrishna said the verdict had reaffirmed his faith in the justice system and expressed gratitude to everyone who stood by him throughout the prolonged proceedings.