The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has ordered notice to godman Nithyananda (also the junior pontiff at Madurai Adheenam), actor Ranjitha and Madurai police on a petition filed by Hindu Makkal Katchi, praying for directions to the cops to register a complaint against them.
In his petition, M Solai Kannan, Madurai District president of Hindu Makkal Katchi, stated that Nithyananda was liable to be booked under Indian Penal Code, Tamil Nadu Immoral Trafficking Act, Forests Act and Foreign Exchange Management Act for alleged offences committed on May 12 this year.
On May 12, Nithyananda reportedly organised rituals at 6 pm, which were attended by devotees from Tiruvannamalai, Karnataka and abroad. According to Solai Kannan, Ranjitha came along with at least 30 disciples. Ranjitha stood behind Nithyananda while Madurai Adheenam’s accountant and caretaker Vaishnavi sat at the feet of Sri Arunagirinatha Swamigal, the senior pontiff. As soon as the holy water was served, the foreign nationals and other disciples began dancing to Western music, Solai Kannan further claimed.
“We started trembling at this unexpected turn of events. When Nithyananda requested us to join the dancing, we refused,” said Solai Kannan, who was accompanied by his two friends.
He also alleged that more than 10 tiger skins and elephant tusks were brought in and spread in the hall. Following the example of Nithyananda and Ranjitha, who lay in a compromising position on a tiger skin, other disciples also lay in compromising positions, Solai Kannan told the court. “We rushed out, and after consulting our party high command, preferred a criminal complaint on May 12 itself,” he said. Since police failed to register a complaint, he approached the court, he added.
Justice A Selvam ordered notice to Nithyananda, Ranjitha, Madurai Police Commissioner and Inspector of Vilakuthoon Police Station and posted the case for further hearing on June 22.