Defamation complaint: Saber Ali seeks written apology from Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi

Former JD(U) leader Sabir Ali on Tuesday sought before a Delhi court a "written apology" from BJP Vice President Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, against whom he has filed a criminal defamation complaint for allegedly linking him with arrested Indian Mujahideen co-founder Yasin Bhatkal. 

Ali was asked by Metropolitan Magistrate Akash Jain today whether he wants to proceed with his complaint against Naqvi. "I need an apology in writing and only then I will compromise," he told the court.

However, Naqvi, who had marked his presence before the court at 10 AM, was not present when the court asked Ali for any possibility of compromise in the matter. The matter initially came up for hearing at around 10.20 AM but at that time Ali was not present in the court due to which the case was deferred till 11.30 AM. Naqvi told the magistrate that he had to attend a meeting at 11.30 AM after which the court allowed him to leave.

When the matter again came up for hearing, Ali appeared before the court and said that he wants an apology in writing from Naqvi.

The lawyers appearing for both the parties urged the court that they be given some time to discuss the issue of settling the case, if possible, after which the magistrate fixed the matter for hearing on November 15.

The court on July 9 had granted bail to Naqvi. It had earlier summoned Naqvi as accused, saying "prima facie" there was evidence and sufficient ground to proceed against him for the alleged offence of defaming Ali.