Nithyananda files plea for police 'protection'

Madurai: Self-styled godman Nithyananda today filed a criminal original petition in the Madras High Court seeking police protection for discharging daily religious and spiritual activities at the Madurai Adheenam Mutt.

Nithyananda was appointed as 293rd pontiff of the Mutt on April 27, 2012. His appointment was revoked by the 292nd pontiff on October 21, 2012.

The controversial godman, who was caught in a sex tape scandal in 2010 and has been accused of raping his female followers, said he was removed without valid reason.

Once nominated, as junior pontiff one cannot be removed, he said in his petition filed before the Madurai bench of the high court.

He said he should be allowed to perform certain rituals as per the Mutt tradition and alleged that some "illegal elements" were threatening him and his disciples with dire consequences whenever they visited it.

He said the court should direct police to provide necessary protection for him and his disciples to perform religious and spiritual duties in the Adheenam.