Congress MP and spokesman Manish Tewari has tendered a written apology to social activist Anna Hazare, saying he regretted his remarks accusing the Gandhian of indulging in corruption.
Tewari's written apology came in response to a legal defamation notice dated on September 8, 2011 sent by Hazare's Pune-based lawyer Milind Pawar.
In the written communication addressed to Hazare, the copy of which was released by Pawar, Tewari said that 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," 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.
Advocate Pawar, who had slapped legal notice on Tewari under section 500 of IPC for defamation proceeding, told the media that in view of the Congress spokesman's written apology, Hazare had decided to close the matter.
Before Hazare launched his indefinite fast from August 16, Tewari had criticised him saying he was "involved in corruption from top to bottom."