New Delhi: Sri Kesavananda Bharati Swamiji, pontiff of Edneer Mutt at Kasaragod district in Kerala State, passed away yesterday. He was 80.

Kesavananda Bharati Swamiji was the sole unwitting petitioner in the historic Fundamental Rights case, which prevented the nation from slipping into a totalitarian regime.

Soon after completion of his 60 Chaturmasya programme in the Mutt on Sept. 1, the Seer was admitted for a couple of days at a private hospital in Mangaluru after he had cardiac and breathing problems. 

On Saturday evening, he performed puja at the Mutt and slept after having some fruits, but passed away on Sunday morning. Last rites of the Swamiji were performed at the Mutt’s premises in the presence of a large number of devotees yesterday.