The defamation case filed by current Minister Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari, against Arvind Kejriwal, Chief Minister of Delhi. Mr. Kejriwal included his name in the Aam Adami Party ’s list of “India’s most corrupt leaders” and made it public at his party meeting before the last Lok Sabha elections.
The criminal proceedings were closed by Delhi’s Patiala Court. The Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Samar Vishal closed the case after Mr. Kejriwal compromised with the union minister by giving him an apology letter.
Mr. Kejriwal tendered an unconditional apology for unverified allegations made by him. “Both of us are in public life belonging to different political parties. I made certain statements without regard to its verifiability, which seem to have hurt you and therefore you have filed a defamation case against me. I have nothing personal against you. I regret the same. Let us put the incident behind us and bring the court proceedings to a closure. I suggest we should put our energy to serve the people of this country in the spirit of mutual respect”. This was stated by Mr. Kejriwal’s letter dated 16th March 2018 to Mr. Gadkari.
Mr. Kejriwal was sent to judicial custody in 2014 when he refused to furnish the bail bond on appearing before it on a summons. However, he had later furnished the bond on a suggestion by the High Court and was released from jail.
The Union Finance minister, Arun Jaitley also filed a criminal defamation case against him. Mr. Kejriwal accused Mr. Jaitley of indulging in corruption during his tenure as the president of Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA). Mr. Jaitley had sought Rs 10 crore in compensation for the allegations.
Recently, Mr.Kejriwal also issued an apology to Punjab minister Bikram Singh Majithia for repeatedly targeting him over the drug problem in Punjab.
Nearly 20 defamation cases have been filed against Kejriwal in various courts by several distinguished politicians.
