A criminal original petition Crl. Op. 13323 of 2017 was filed by His Divine Holiness Paramahamsa Nithyananda, founder of Nithyananda Dhyanapeetam, before the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Wednesday seeking police protection for him and his disciples to enter Madurai Aadheenam and discharge their religious and spiritual duties thereP.
Paramahamsa Nithyananda said, “My Appointment as the 293rd pontiff of the Madurai Aadheenam as per custom and rituals is irrevocable. ‘Acharya Abishekam’ for Appointing a pontiff can be done once in a life time. It was performed to me. Hence I am the Junior pontiff of Aadheenam. I am not restrained by any court of law from his position. Any other appointment including that of Tirunavukkarasu is invalid.’’ He also said certain vested interested are preventing him and his disciples from discharging religious and spiritual duties of performing pujas and providing free food. ‘’ the illegal elements are threatening me and my disciples with dire consequences when we visits the matt for performing daily activities. If they are permitted to act in such a manner, illegal activities will be indirectly encouraged. Hence, the court should direct the police to give protection to me and my disciples to perform duties including the role and responsibility as the 293rd Pontiff.”