<p>Deccan Herald is in possession of a document, described as a “confidential, non-disclosure agreement”, signed between one Ma Nithyasadhananda, alias D Jamunarani, and a female ashramite whose identity is not being revealed for legal reasons. <br /><br />Copies of this document are now in the possession of the Karnataka CID which is investigating criminal cases, including rape and unnatural sex, against Nithyananda. The ashramite signed this document on September 3, 2005. <br /><br />According to the 10-page document, “Volunteer understands that the Program may involve the learning and practice of ancient tantric secrets associated with male and female ecstasy, including the use of sexual energy for increased intimacy/spiritual connection, pleasure, harmony, and freedom”. <br /><br />Details<br /><br />The document says: “Volunteer understands that these activities (tantra sex) could be physically and mentally challenging, and may involve nudity, access to visual images, graphic visual depictions, and descriptions of nudity and sexual activity, close physical proximity and intimacy, verbal and written descriptions and audio sounds of a sexually oriented, and erotic nature, etc.” <br /><br />It is understood that no less than 25 such documents were signed by various male and female ashramites as agreements between them and Nithyananda. The document continues that “By reading and signing the addendum, Volunteer irrevocably acknowledges that he/she is voluntarily giving his unconditional acceptance of such activities and discharges the Leader (Nithyananda) and the Foundation, and anyone else not specifically mentioned here but directly or indirectly involved in the organization, management, or conduct of any such programs from any liability, direct or indirect, arising from such activities”. <br /><br />Nithyananda has not denied the existence of such a document(s). The agreement is not a legal document in that it was not signed on by the two persons as part of an affidavit or on stamp paper that could have some legal sanctity. <br /><br />But the document says: “Volunteer also waives any and all rights that he/she may have to bring any law suit or claims against the Leader or Foundation or anyone else not specifically mentioned here, but directly or indirectly involved in the management and conduct of the program”. <br /><br />‘Forbidden by law’<br /><br />Former devotee Lenin Karuppan, who exposed Nithyananda’s sexcapades, has alleged that devotees were subjected to sexual and other forms of physical and verbal abuse by the godman. <br /><br />Speaking to Deccan Herald senior advocate M T Nanaiah said, “such a document constitutes an agreement between two parties” but “tantra, and especially tantra sex, is forbidden by law. These acts are outside the purview of law and therefore illegal”.<br /></p>
<p>Deccan Herald is in possession of a document, described as a “confidential, non-disclosure agreement”, signed between one Ma Nithyasadhananda, alias D Jamunarani, and a female ashramite whose identity is not being revealed for legal reasons. <br /><br />Copies of this document are now in the possession of the Karnataka CID which is investigating criminal cases, including rape and unnatural sex, against Nithyananda. The ashramite signed this document on September 3, 2005. <br /><br />According to the 10-page document, “Volunteer understands that the Program may involve the learning and practice of ancient tantric secrets associated with male and female ecstasy, including the use of sexual energy for increased intimacy/spiritual connection, pleasure, harmony, and freedom”. <br /><br />Details<br /><br />The document says: “Volunteer understands that these activities (tantra sex) could be physically and mentally challenging, and may involve nudity, access to visual images, graphic visual depictions, and descriptions of nudity and sexual activity, close physical proximity and intimacy, verbal and written descriptions and audio sounds of a sexually oriented, and erotic nature, etc.” <br /><br />It is understood that no less than 25 such documents were signed by various male and female ashramites as agreements between them and Nithyananda. The document continues that “By reading and signing the addendum, Volunteer irrevocably acknowledges that he/she is voluntarily giving his unconditional acceptance of such activities and discharges the Leader (Nithyananda) and the Foundation, and anyone else not specifically mentioned here but directly or indirectly involved in the organization, management, or conduct of any such programs from any liability, direct or indirect, arising from such activities”. <br /><br />Nithyananda has not denied the existence of such a document(s). The agreement is not a legal document in that it was not signed on by the two persons as part of an affidavit or on stamp paper that could have some legal sanctity. <br /><br />But the document says: “Volunteer also waives any and all rights that he/she may have to bring any law suit or claims against the Leader or Foundation or anyone else not specifically mentioned here, but directly or indirectly involved in the management and conduct of the program”. <br /><br />‘Forbidden by law’<br /><br />Former devotee Lenin Karuppan, who exposed Nithyananda’s sexcapades, has alleged that devotees were subjected to sexual and other forms of physical and verbal abuse by the godman. <br /><br />Speaking to Deccan Herald senior advocate M T Nanaiah said, “such a document constitutes an agreement between two parties” but “tantra, and especially tantra sex, is forbidden by law. These acts are outside the purview of law and therefore illegal”.<br /></p>
