Nithyananda files appeal challenging trial court order

BANGALORE: Self-styled godman Nithyananda today filed an appeal in Karnataka High Court challenging a lower court order giving the green signal for the release of Kannada film "Sathyananda", which he said was defamatory to him.

Nithyananda stated that when the defamation suit filed by him against the film was still pending before the trial court, such an order was not in accordance with law.

Justice S N Satyanarayana adjourned the appeal to March 20 for further hearing.

On Feb 1, the 15th Additional City Civil judge Master R K N M S Mahaswamiji gave the green signal to the film produced and directed by Madan Patel subject to the condition that the title is changed and certain portions of the film are deleted before its release.

In his defamation suit, Nithyananda has sought a sum of Rs 3.5 crore along with exemplary damages from Madan Patel.