Jaipur, Jul 22 (IANS): Rebel Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Wednesday served a legal notice to Congress MLA Giriraj Singh Malinga, who accused him of offering a bribe of Rs 35 crore to switch to the BJP camp.

Pilot also sought compensation of Re 1 along with an apology from Malinga within seven days, saying that he will otherwise initiate defamation proceedings against him.

This notice has been served by Pilot via his lawyer S.S. Hariharan.

The notice says, "We on behalf of our clients above named, hereby call upon all of you to pay to our client a sum of Rs. 1/- (Rupee One only) and to tender a written apology before the press for issuing a false and frivolous allegation, within seven days of the receipt of this notice failing which we have further instructions to initiate appropriate proceedings criminal and civil litigation, but not limited to suit for damages and complaint under section 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, as amended up-to-date against the above named addresses, entirely at your risk as to costs and consequences."

The notice reads that Pilot was disturbed to know the allegations levelled against him by Malinga with sole intention of tarnishing his image and to obtain political mileage and to accrue undue advantage to his political opponent.

The notice reads, "You have alleged that my client had offered you, the noticee, monies to switch to BJP in the month of December 2018. It is surprising that you have remained silent for a period of over seven months and suddenly raked up the bunch of lies solely with a purpose to malign the impeccable reputation of my client."

"At a time when my client has taken up onerous task of upholding self respect of himself and the people who he represents, you had raked up these allegations in order to obtain political mileage."

"My client has in fact never spoken to you, the noticee, in regard to switching of political party much less offer any money to do the same. My client vehemently refutes the claims made by you. And once again emphasizes that the allegation made by you is absolutely baseless and frivolous."

It further says that there is no truth in the statement as alleged by Malinga in the interview.