AAPology continues: Kejriwal and other AAP leaders say sorry to Arun Jaitley

In an expected move, Delhi CM and AAP chief Arvind Kerjiwal has now apologised to Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in the defamation case.  Along with Kejriwal, Sanjay Singh, Ashutosh and Raghav Chadha have also apologised. In his letter Kejriwal said, " I have recently discovered that the informations and imputations. are unfounded and unwarranted and I was clearly misinformed in making these allegations."  Reacting to the development, Arun Jaitley's lawyer told ANI:

Arun Jaitley has accepted their (A Kejriwal &other AAP leaders)apology. We've moved Delhi HC for civil matters & Patiala House court for criminal complaints. In civil case, we'll agree to a decree in the matter based on apology & acceptance thereof: M Dogra, A Jaitley's counsel pic.twitter.com/qJ3qpyjICZ

— ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2018

M Dogra said that Union Finance Minister has accepted Kejriwal and other leaders apology. He said, " We've moved Delhi HC for civil matters & Patiala House court for criminal complaints. In civil case, we'll agree to a decree in the matter based on apology & acceptance thereof".

Kejriwal has earlier apologised to Kapil Sibal, Bikram Mahithia, Nitin Gadkari among others.  According to reports, Arun Jaitley has accepted Kejriwal's apology. 

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, AAP leaders Sanjay Singh,Ashutosh and Raghav Chadha apologize to Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in the defamation case he had filed against them pic.twitter.com/CJFqxVD738

— ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2018

A joint application is likely to be filed by the AAP leaders.  

Defamation suit(by FM Arun Jaitley) not being withdrawn, Joint application being filed for decree based on apology by Arvind Kejriwal and other AAP leaders: Sources

— ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2018

 The AAP leaders had accused Jaitley of financial irregularities in the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) of which he was the president from 2000 to 2013, leading the Minister to lodge a defamation cases against them. Besides Kejriwal and Raghav Chadha, the other AAP leaders include Vishwas, Ashutosh, Sanjay Singh and Deepak Bajpai were also made party to the defamation case for allegedly making controversial statements.

In the letter Arvind Kejriwal says, " I have made certain statements about you in December 2015 and thereafter in connection with your tenure as President  of DDCA. These allegations also form part of subject matter of proceedings currently pending adjudication before the honourable Delhi High Court and Patiala House Court New Delhi. These allegations made by me were based on information and papers furnished to me by certain individuals who represented to have first hand insights into the affairs of DDCA. However, I have recently discovered that the informations and imputations contained there in are unfounded and unwarranted and I was clearly misinformed in making these allegations. Therefore I unequivocally withdraw all the allegations made by me in question whether made in print, electronic or social media against you. I offer my sincere apology to you and my family members...."

Arvind Kejriwal also said in the letter, " I categorically state that the disparaging and malicious statements, Mr Ram Jethmalani were without my knowledge and/or information. I reaffirm what I already stated earlier that I do not approve of these disparaging and malicious statement made by Mr Ram Jethmalani. I believe we should end the unsavoury litigations between us and serve the people of the country to the best of our abilities". 

However, it appears that the Jaitley camp isn't  withdrawing the defamation plea, reported News 18. It's believed that they will ask the court to pass decree based on the apology. 

The AAP leaders had accused Jaitley of financial irregularities in the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) of which he was the president from 2000 to 2013, leading the Minister to lodge a defamation cases against them.

Besides Kejriwal and Raghav Chadha, the other AAP leaders include Vishwas, Ashutosh, Sanjay Singh and Deepak Bajpai were also made party to the defamation case for allegedly making controversial statements. A civil defamation suit was also filed by Jaitley before the Delhi High Court in the matter seeking Rs 10 crore as damages and the matter is currently pending.