Tamil Nadu government on Tuesday informed the Madras High Court it is taking steps to act against the Madurai Adheenam 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 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.