In January, Nitin Gadkari had sued Arvind Kejriwal
Union minister Nitin Gadkari and politician Arvind Kejriwal should strike a truce, advised the Delhi High Court today, which wants them to "shake hands" in "public interest" instead of feuding in a defamation suit.
In January, Mr Gadkari sued Mr Kejriwal, head of the Aam Aadmi Party, for linking him to corruption.
"Nothing is there, why can't you both parties shake hands and finish off the matter on an amicable note? Why don't you bury the hatchet and utilise time in a more productive manner?" the two judges of the High Court said today, reproaching, "You both are renowned politicians, people look up to You."
Pehle aap, was the response of Mr Kejriwal's lawyer, Shanti Bhushan, who said, "They (Gadkari) went to the court first, so let them withdraw their complaint but we will not withdraw our statement or any of the allegations made as we have proofs for all the issues raised by us."
He also demanded, "Let Gadkari give us the assurance that they will not seek prosecution of Kejriwal in this matter in future".
Additional Solicitor General Pinky Anand, appearing for Mr Gadkari, said the minister is "an honest politician" whose reputation has been tarnished by Mr Kejriwal's comment.
She said Mr Gadkari has no "personal enmity" with Mr Kejriwal and the case will be dropped if the contentious remarks are withdrawn.