Pune, Sept 21: Congress MP Manish Tewari has tendered a written apology to activist Anna Hazare, saying he regretted his remarks accusing him of indulging in corruption.
Mr. Tewari's written apology came in response to a legal defamation notice, dated September 8, 2011, sent by Mr. Hazare's Pune-based lawyer Milind Pawar.
In the written communication addressed to Mr. Hazare, the copy of which was released by Mr. Pawar, Mr. Tewari said he had already expressed his regrets on the issue on August 25, while urging the anti-corruption crusader to withdraw his fast at Ramlila Maidan.
“I do not stand on any prestige or ego, especially when it comes to giving due regard and respect to people elder to me in age. In all sincerity, I reiterate my regrets,” Mr. Tewari said.
“I do not wish to give legal responses or want this matter to be prolonged. I hope you would treat the matter as closed,” he added.
The advocate, who had slapped legal notice on Mr. Tewari under Section 500 of IPC for defamation proceeding, told PTI that Mr. Hazare had decided to close the matter.
Before Mr. Hazare launched his indefinite fast from August 16, Mr. Tewari had criticised him saying he was “involved in corruption from top to bottom.” PTI
