Discuss the meaning of apology.

As a general rule, making of an apology or an offer thereof is no defence to an action for libel but it may mitigate damages. However, as an exceptional case, it is available as a defence in case of public newspaper or other periodical publication. Even in such a case, the defence can succeed if there is no malice or gross negligence and the apology is published at an earliest opportunity inserted in the newspaper or the periodical as the case may be.