Jalgaon: In reply to summons issued in a defamation case filed by a Maharashtra minister, noted social worker and anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare on July 11 appeared before a local court which released him on bail.

Deferring the case filed by Food and Civil Supplies Minister Suresh Jain to August 29, the court granted Hazare liberty.

The minister had filed a case against Hazare alleging that the latter had called him corrupt and had lowered his image in the eyes of the public.

Hazare had earlier in a section of the press named four ministers, including Jain, as corrupt and said he had material to prove his allegations.

Jain dared Hazare to prove the allegations and served him with a legal notice before initiating criminal action against Hazare.

Hazare arrived on July 11 morning with his supporters but police did not permit him to address a public meeting as Jalgaon was the home town of the minister and tensions could flare up if inflammatory speeches were made by Hazare.

However, Hazare was allowed to address his supporters in a meeting hall of a Mangal Karyalaya later.

Talking to newspersons, Hazare said the minister had called him "corrupt" and challenged Jain or the government to arrest him. He also refuted allegations of the minister that his supporters had collected Rs 10 crore by way of donations.

PTI