Cornered and facing imminent arrest, Sahara Chief Subrata Roy today tendered an "unconditional apology" to the Supreme Court for his non-appearance in a contempt case and sought recall of the non-bailable warrant issued against him.
Moving the apex court a day after it issued the NBW to be executed by March 4, Roy admitted that he had "erred" by his non-appearance under a bonafide belief that the court will permit him personal exemption from appearance for one day.
"The applicant (Roy), however is presenting himself before this court as it has always been his resolve to uphold the dignity and majesty of law.
"The applicant has the highest regard for the judiciary and more particularly for this court and he cannot think about any violation or non-compliance of the directions passed by this court," the application filed by Roy said.
Besides seeking recall of yesterday's order and the NBW, Roy's application sought a stay of the operation of the order during the pendency of this application.
He appealed to the "humane side" of the court to consider sympathetically the wishes of his mother and permit him to be with her in her last moments.
Roy also said that he believed that the court will in all its magnanimity pardon the "error of judgement" on his part and condone his non-appearance since it was "neither intentional nor deliberate".
He submitted that the non-recall of the NBW order shall cause "grave prejudice" to him and he shall suffer "irreparable loss and injury because without your lordships' merciful favour applicant cannot be with his mother in peace".
