Jainism is an ancient Indian religion whose followers live a spartan lifestyle according to strict non-violent principles.
A Jain monk ordered to appear in an Ahmedabad court has said that he needs eight months to get there because his strict faith prevents him from using any form of transport, which was ruled out by the court.
Acharya Kirti Yashurishwarji Maharaj is currently in the eastern city of Kolkata, which is about 2,200 kilometres from Ahmedabad which lies in the western state of Gujarat, and he says he will undertake the journey only on foot.
But the court rejected his request for the lengthy journey and told him to appear next month.
The 60-year-old faces charges of promoting Bal Diksha or the recruitment of children into the Jain monastic order, by publishing forged government documents endorsing the practice.
The charge was filed by Jashmin Shah, a local Jain community leader who has fought a campaign against the practice of Bal Diksha.
Mr Shah's lawyer, Nitin Gandhi said, "The court has issued a fresh bailable warrant against the monk and directed him to appear before court by November 4."
Jainism is an ancient Indian religion whose followers live a spartan lifestyle according to strict non-violent principles. Monks renounce all worldly goods and even sweep the floor in front of them and cover their mouths with their hands as they walk to avoid stepping on or swallowing insects.
The 60-year-old itinerant monk has no fixed address although he regularly visits Ahmedabad in Gujarat which is home to many Jain holy sites.