Steps being taken against Adheenam on Nithyananda appointment'

Tamil Nadu government today informed Madras High Court it is taking steps to act against Madurai Aadhenaam trustee under Section 59 of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act (HRCE Act) on appointment of self styled controversial godman Nithyananda as its next successor.

The Advocate General submitted that two persons cannot be head of the Mutt and appointment of Nithyananda as the next successor was in violation of the Act.

He also contended that petitions relating to this case cannot be considered as a PIL, since no fundamental right has been violated as well as not against government machinery.

He said the successor must be a disciple of the Mutt, be competent enough and must follow rituals and procedures being followed right from the days of Thirugnanasambandar.

"Any prudent person will not accept Nithyananda as the head of a religious institution, even to a secular institution," he said.

The department was taking steps to take action under section 59 of the HRCE Act, he said.
The matter has been posted for tomorrow.

Nithyananda is facing charges of rape and criminal intimidation levelled against him in 2010 after some TV channels telecast purported video footage of him in a compromising position with an actress.