HC allows Nithyananda to visit Manasarovar

BANGALORE: Controversial selfstyled godman Nithyananda, who is facing multiple charges including rape, heaved a sigh of relief as the High Court allowed him to visit Manasarovar and other places till December 31.Justice K N Keshavanarayana on Monday dismissed CID's petition on the grounds that there were no strong reasons to cancel the bail granted to Nithyananda. The CID had sought the cancellation of the conditional bail granted to Nithyananda and Nithya Bhaktananda to whom the HC had earlier granted bail on several conditions. It had also alleged that the two were intimidating and threatening the witnesses of prosecution in the matter. HC stated, "Nithyananda has been granted the extension of time till December 31 to visit Manasarovar and other places and to return the passport and appear before magistrate on or Dec 31." However, the judge made it clear that though Nithyananda was free to travel and return before December 31, he would not threaten or intimidate witnesses residing overseas.The HC also made it clear that allowing Nithyananda to travel to Manasarovar and other places did not mean only places on the way to Manasarovar as contended by the prosecution.The Court also ordered that in case Nithyananda takes up the visit, one of the earlier conditions to mark his attendance every month in the local jurisdiction should be held in abeyance till he returns otherwise it would remain as it is.