Possibility of compromise in defamation complaint: Kejriwal

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal today told a Delhi court that there was a possibility of compromise in a criminal defamation complaint filed against him by Cabinet Minister Nitin Gadkari and they were in the process of finalising it.

The counsel for Kejriwal made the submissions on being asked by the court if both the politicians have arrived at any compromise in the matter.

"It is basically clash of egos. Its better if the matter gets settled," Metropolitan Magistrate Gomati Manocha said.

To this, the counsel appearing for Kejriwal said, "There is a possibility of compromise. We are in the process."

The court fixed the matter for further hearing on October 18 after the counsel appearing for Gadkari and Kejriwal sought adjournment on the ground that the matter was pending before the Delhi High Court, which will hear the case on October 16.

Kejriwal was arrested and sent to Tihar jail on May 21 after he had refused to furnish bail bond in the case but gave in within a week and was released.

Meanwhile, the court allowed former Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal's plea for permanent exemption from personal appearance.

The court had earlier framed defamation charges against Kejriwal after both the parties had told it that they have not reached any settlement in the case.

Section 500 (defamation) of the IPC, being a compoundable offence, the court had advised Kejriwal to bury the hatchet and amicably settle the issue with Gadkari.

Gadkari had earlier told the court that he was ready to resolve the issue if Kejriwal withdraws his statement.

Kejriwal, however, had refused to withdraw his statement and allegations which he had levelled against Gadkari.

Kejriwal was earlier summoned as an accused by the court in the defamation complaint in which Gadkari had alleged that he was defamed by the AAP leader who had included his name in the party's list of "India's most corrupt".

Gadkari had earlier told the court, "I am an honest politician and damage has been caused to my reputation by the defamatory allegation levelled against me by Kejriwal. I don't have any personal enmity against Kejriwal."

After the court had framed the notice, Kejriwal pleaded not guilty to the offence and had claimed trial.