SC confirms Medha Patkar’s conviction

The Supreme Court on Monday confirmed the conviction of activist and Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) leader Medha Patkar in a 25-year-old defamation case filed by Delhi Lt Governor VK Saxena even as it set aside the Rs 1 lakh fine imposed on her.

A Bench of Justice MM Sundresh and Justice N Kotiswar Singh also modified the probation order that required her periodic appearance and instead allowed her to furnish bonds.

The top court said it was not inclined to interfere with the Delhi High Court order that released Patkar on “probation of good conduct”, but required her to appear before the trial court once every three years.

“However, taking into consideration the submission of the counsel for the petitioner the penalty imposed stands set aside and we further clarify that the supervision order will not be given effect,” it said.

The high court on July 29 upheld the conviction and punishment awarded to the 70-year-old NBA leader.

Saxena had filed the case against Patkar 25 years ago as president of the National Council of Civil Liberties for her defamatory press release against him issued on November 24, 2000.