Defamation case: Medha Patkar’s plea against conviction junked

A Delhi court on Wednesday dismissed social activist Medha Patkar’s appeal against her conviction in a defamation case filed by Delhi Lieutenant Governor (L-G) VK Saxena.

Dismissing the appeal, Additional Sessions Judge Vishal Singh of the South-East District Court, Saket, asked Patkar to appear in person on April 8 for submission on sentencing. The court added that her presence was necessary for determining the appropriate punishment in the case.

The case pertains to year 2000 when Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena was the then president of the National Council of Civil Liberties (NCCL).

Patkar, associated with the Narmada Bachao Andolan, had challenged a judgment issued by the Judicial Magistrate on May 24, 2024. In appeal, she was granted bail and the order sentencing her to 5 months of imprisonment, along with Rs 10 lakh fine, was suspended till further orders.

“The evidence led by respondent during trial proved beyond reasonable doubt that Medha Patkar published the press note dated November 24, 2000, carrying imputations on his character with intent to harm or having reason to believe that the imputations will harm his reputation. The appellant was rightly convicted for offence under Section 500 of the IPC,” the order read.

Saxena filed the case against Patkar for defaming him in a press note dated November 25, 2000, titled “true face of patriot.”