NEW DELHI: Aam Aadmi Party ( AAP ) leader Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday told a trial court that there's a possibility of a settlement between him and cabinet minister Nitin Gadkari in a criminal defamation complaint filed by the latter, and they are in the process of finalizing a compromise. Kejriwal's counsel made the submission on being asked by the court if the politicians have arrived at a compromise.

"It is basically a clash of egos. It's 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 counsels appearing for Gadkari and Kejriwal sought adjournment on the ground that the matter is pending before the Delhi high court, which will hear the case on October 16.

The court also allowed Kejriwal's plea for permanent exemption from personal appearance.

Kejriwal was arrested and sent to Tihar Jail on May 21 after he refused to furnish a bail bond in the case. He was released when he relented a few days later. The court had framed defamation charges against him after both parties submitted that they had not reached any settlement in the case.

Section 500 (defamation) of the IPC is a compoundable offence (the parties can compromise), so the court had advised Kejriwal to amicably settle the issue with Gadkari, who earlier told the court that he was ready for a settlement if Kejriwal withdrew his statement.

Kejriwal, who had said Gadkari was among "India's most corrupt", was summoned as an accused by the court in the defamation complaint filed by Gadkari. In his complaint, Gadkari had 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 framed the notice, Kejriwal pleaded not guilty to the offence and had sought a trial.

