Activist Medha Patkar Convicted in Defamation Case Against Delhi Lieutenant Governor

A Delhi court has found Narmada Bachao Andolan leader, Medha Patkar, guilty in a defamation case filed against her by Delhi Lieutenant Governor, V.K. Saxena. Metropolitan Magistrate Raghav Sharma delivered the verdict, convicting Ms. Patkar of criminal defamation.

The legal battle between Medha Patkar and V.K. Saxena dates back to the year 2000 when she initiated a suit against him for publishing advertisements against her and the Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA). V.K. Saxena, who was the chief of Ahmedabad-based NGO National Council for Civil Liberties at the time, had lodged multiple cases against Patkar for making derogatory remarks on a TV channel and issuing a defamatory press statement.

According to the Indian Penal Code, Ms. Patkar may face a sentence of two years in jail, a fine, or a combination of both as punishment for the criminal defamation charge. The case stems from a press note dated November 25, 2000, titled «true face of patriot», in which Patkar accused Saxena of involvement in hawala transactions and labelled him a coward, questioning his patriotism.

The court found that Medha Patkar’s actions were intentional and aimed at causing harm to V.K. Saxena’s reputation. The judge noted that the statements made by Patkar were not only defamatory but also designed to incite negative perceptions and instigate public outrage. The court highlighted the absence of evidence presented by Patkar to refute the allegations or demonstrate lack of intent to harm Saxena’s reputation.

As the court sets a date of May 30 for arguments on sentencing, the legal battle between Medha Patkar and V.K. Saxena continues to unfold in Delhi. The conviction in the defamation case marks a significant development in the longstanding feud between the activist and the Lieutenant Governor.