In a letter to Hegde, a copy of which was released to the media, Moily referred to a newspaper report and said, "I clearly deny the statement and it is only a creation of the press and I have never spelt out such a title. (which read 'Justice Hegde tiger in SC, Cat in State: Moily')."
Moily said he had high regard for Hegde's scholarship in the field of law and for his impeccable honesty and integrity for bringing good governance in the state.
"I strongly feel that such an isolated statement should not spoil our releationship. I feel the statement appearing in the press has strongly hurt you. I am extremely sorry for it and one such misquoted statement should not strain our relationship", he said.
Moily had reportedly said yesterday that Karnataka Lokayukta's action against the corrupt was "superficial" and that he could have done more. "What has Justice Hegde done so far apart from making statements," he was quoted as saying.
Published 20 March 2011, 15:05 IST