NITHYANANDA SWAMI Vs. S.ARATHI RAO

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THIS application is filed by the applicant / plaintiff seeking for an interim injunction restraining the respondents in any manner making statements, conducting any panel discussions, giving interview, exhibiting, broadcasting, telecasting, allegations, reports, clippings, visuals, etc., either by direct or indirect reference to the applicant and his devotees touching upon the guilt or otherwise of the applicant in C.C.No.204 of 2010 and Crime No.782 of 2011 on the file of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Ram Nagara District, Karnataka.

(2.) THE suit itself was filed by the applicant for a similar relief of permanent in nature. When the matter came up before this court, this court ordered notice to the respondents. On notice from this court, the first respondent has filed a counter affidavit, dated 05.08.2012. The third respondent has also filed a counter affidavit, dated 05.08.2012.

(3.) THE case of the applicant was that he was the founder of the religious institution functioning in the name of Nithyananda Dhyanapeetam which has its headquarters at Tiruvannamalai and has got branches inlcuding one at Bidadi at Mysore Road, Karnataka State. The applicant's organization gained great repute and had achieved reverence around the world. The main aim of the applicant is to revive the Vedic tradition and Hindu culture, worship. They have meditation centres in 151 countries and branch ashrams in over 40 countries. A lot of healing programs were organized wherein thousands of people have experienced healing of diseases ranging from depression to cancer. The ashram also organized several orientation programs and several other social service activities including medical and literacy camps, offering free food and spiritual services across the country. Several lakhs of people have started following the activities of the applicant and his trust. The main object is to heal the human life and also popularizing meditation. Approximately, 20 lakhs people have participated in the programs conducted by the applicant and his trust. About one lakh people have participated in the programs conducted by the applicant.