Rahul Gandhi tenders unconditional apology for attributing 'chowkidar chor hai' comment to SC

New Delhi, May 8 Congress president Rahul Gandhi Wednesday tendered an unconditional apology in the Supreme Court for wrongfully attributing to the apex court the 'chowkidar chor hai' comment in the Rafale verdict

He also looked for conclusion of the criminal contempt proceedings against him on a petition filed by BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi

In a new three-page affidavit, Gandhi said he holds the apex court in the "highest esteem and respect" and that he has never looked to do anything which interferes with the process of administration of justice

"The deponent (Rahul Gandhi) unequivocally apologizes for the unfair attributions to this court. The deponent further expresses that any such attributions were completely accidental, non-wilful and unintentional," Gandhi said in his sworn statement

"The deponent most respectfully prays that this court may be graciously pleased to acknowledge the moment sworn statement and close the present contempt proceedings," the affidavit stated

Gandhi also said the affidavit is made "bonafide and in light of a legitimate concern for equity, and nothing material has been hidden hence"

"At the start the deponent thus most deferentially presents that he holds this court in the most elevated regard, and regard. The deponent has never looked for or expected to, legitimately or in a roundabout way, submit any demonstration that it meddles with the procedure of organization of equity," the Congress boss said in his sworn statement

BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi, who filed the contempt petition against Gandhi, had alleged that he has attributed his personal remarks to the top court and tried to create prejudice.