Bangalore:  I am ever ready to go to jail to protect the interests and to secure the welfare of the people of the state, declared Chief Minister DV Sadananda Gowda.

He was reacting to a defamation suit filed against the controversial Nityananda against the CM demanding damages of Rs 10 crore. The CM also made it clear that he had ordered a probe in the better interests of the state, to bring into light the alleged murky dealings within the Ashram of Nityananda.

In another development, a habeas corpus petition has been filed on behalf of Nityananda alleging that he has been detained for no reason and that his reputation has been badly affected.