Tiwari had said Hazare was “steeped in corruption from head to toe” in the runup to Hazare’s fast at Ramlila Grounds in New Delhi.

Speaking to journalists in Pune on Friday, Pawar said he had earlier announced that he would file a defamation suit against Tiwari and that the decision to send a legal notice to Tiwari was taken after Pawar had a meeting with Hazare in Ralegan Siddhi on Sept. 2.

He added: “Although Tiwari later expressed regret, Hazare instructed me to send the notice. This will deter anyone else from making false allegations…”

The notice asks Tiwari to apologize in writing and on behalf of his Congress party undertaking not to issue such false and defamatory statements about Hazare in future. The lawyer in his notice also asks Tiwari whether the statement made by him in the news conference was his personal opinion or it was made on behalf of the Congress party.

In a related development, Hazare on Friday told journalists in his village that he has “pardoned” Tiwari though his lawyer following Hazare’s instructions has sent Tiwari a legal notice. However, I have now asked my lawyer to pardon Tiwari. It should also be noted that Pawar is not only my lawyer, but also an anti-corruption activist, Hazare said.