Petition seeking direction to govt to take over Adheenam filed

In his petition, Hindu People's Party leader Solaikannan alleged that the recent appointment of Nityanandha, who is facing criminal charges, including rape, as the 293rd pontiff of Madurai Aadheenam (Mutt), was made without following rules and rituals established by tradition.

Many religious leaders, political outfits, Hindu Makkal Katchi, Bharat Sena, Bharatiya Forward Block had also protested agains the appointment. "The Adheenam had set a bad precedent in appointing Nityanandha as pontiff", he said.

As per tradition, Mutt heads of Tirupanandal and Dharmavaram Adheenam should be consulted by Madurai Adheenam before selecting a successor and should be trained for four years by the senior before being appointed for the post, he said.

Only a Saiva Velalar community person could become the head of Madurai Adheenam and Nityanandha does not belong to that community, the petitioner said.

He said 18 Mutt heads in Tamil Nadu had passed a resolution asking the Adheenam to withdraw the initial coronation of Nithyanandha.

The petition is likely to be taken for hearing tomorrow.

Nityananda had landed in controversy after a video footage showing him in a compromising position with an actress was telecast by local TV channels in March 2010.

He was arrested on Apr 21, 2010 from Solan in Himachal Pradesh. He was granted bail on June 11, 2010 by the Karnataka High Court. PTI SSN RC

ZMN