Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Saturday addressing a mid-poll presser here explained why he apologised before the Supreme Court after attributing his "chowkidar chor hai" remark to the court and said it was only because the matter was sub judice.

"I apologised to the Supreme Court as the matter is sub judice. Any comment on the matter was unwarranted. Neither have I apologised to the PM nor the BJP.

"Also chor comment is now reverberated through out the country. The remark stands. Anywhere you go and prompt 'chowkidar' people will get back with 'chor hai'."

He was responding to a question over his apology to the Supreme Court earlier this week, when he was pulled up by the court for his comment as well as his response to the court.

The apex court had pulled up the Congress President even after he verbally apologised and has given him a third chance to mend his action.