HC notice to TN Govt on PIL agiainst Nityananda

Madras High Court today ordered notice on a petition seeking a direction to Tamil Nadu Government to take action on a representation for removal of controversial godman Nityananda as head of an ancient Saivaite mutt in Madurai and urging its take over by the state.

Issuing notice on the PIL petition by advocate R Krishnamurthy, a bench comprising Justices V Dhanapalan and B Rajendran posted it for further hearing on June 6 with a direction that it be tagged along with connected matters.

Alleging that Nityananda was 'unfit and incompetent' to be the pontiff of the 1500-year old Madurai adheenam, the petitioner claimed the godman was controversial person with several allegations against him pertaining to sexual offences and cases were pending in courts.

Krishnamurthy said on May 17, he had met the Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment,  and presented a memorandum to her seeking removal of Nithyananda, recently appointed successor of the present head of the mutt, and take over of the mutt by the government.

There was a delay on the part of the official to take action and hence the present petition for a direction to the HR & CE Commissioner to consider and dispose of the representation, within a time frame, after giving him an opportunity of personal hearing, the petitioner said.

The appointment of Nityananda as his junior by Arunagirinatha Gnanasambanda Desika Paramacharya has triggered protests from several quarters, including heads of different mutts in the state, in view of pending criminal charges, including rape, against him.