Godman shows signs of relenting

Controversial godman Rampal late tonight showed signs of relenting as his close aides said he would obey the High Court directive and appear before it tomorrow if his "health" permits, easing the potential stand-off situation between authorities and his supporters.
As tension continued to mount in this town of Hisar, the spokesperson for the godman's ashram Raj Kapoor said "Sant Rampal ji has, in the past, appeared before the courts, whenever required. We are law abiding citizens..."
Contending that the 63-year-old Rampal is not well, he said doctors will again review his health tomorrow morning and see if he can travel to Chandigarh, which is about 270 kms from here.

"If Sant Rampal feels better tomorrow morning, we will go to the court... We are keeping that option open," Kapoor told reporters outside the ashram.
He added that if Rampal's condition does not improve by then, "we will again give a medical certificate."
Punjab and Haryana High Court had on Monday last issued a fresh non-bailable arrest warrant against Rampal in a contempt case and asked as to why his bail in a 2006 murder case should not be cancelled.