In a significant development in a decades-old criminal defamation case, a Delhi court on Tuesday ordered the release of Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) leader and veteran activist Medha Patkar on one-year probation. The case was filed in 2001 by Vinai Kumar Saxena, currently serving as the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi.
Medha Patkar Gets Relief in Long-Standing Criminal Defamation Case
The order was passed by Additional Sessions Judge Vishal Singh at Saket Courts, who cited Patkar’s age, her respected social background, and her lack of any prior convictions as key reasons to avoid a custodial sentence.
The judge observed, “Taking into account the convict’s advanced age, her established social standing, and clean criminal record, it is considered appropriate to release her on probation for a period of one year.”
The court also revised the compensation imposed on Patkar, reducing it from ₹10 lakh to ₹1 lakh, payable to VK Saxena.
Background of the VK Saxena vs. Medha Patkar Defamation Dispute
The case dates back to a press note issued by Patkar on November 25, 2000, titled “True Face of Patriot.” In the note, Patkar criticized Saxena, who was then the head of the Ahmedabad-based NGO National Council for Civil Liberties, stating: “VK Saxena, one who is pained by the Hawala transactions himself came to Malegaon, praised NBA and give a cheque of Rs. 40,000. Lok Samiti naively and promptly sent the receipt and the letter, which shows honesty and good record keeping than anything else. But the cheque could not be encashed and got bounced. On enquiry, the bank reported the account does not exist.”
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Patkar further allegedly labeled Saxena “a coward and not a patriot.”
The trial court had earlier convicted Patkar under Section 500 of the Indian Penal Code for criminal defamation. In April 2024, her appeal against the conviction was dismissed by the same sessions court. However, she had been granted bail and her five-month sentence along with the ₹10 lakh fine had been suspended until further orders.
Court Cites Malicious Intent Behind Patkar’s Statements
While delivering the conviction earlier, the court had noted: “Patkar’s actions were deliberate and malicious, aimed at tarnishing Saxena’s good name and caused substantial harm to his standing and credit.”
It added that her statements were “defamatory per se and crafted to incite negative perceptions.”
Patkar Appears Virtually, Gets Relief on Grounds of Probation
Patkar attended the hearing via video conferencing after being granted the liberty to do so by the Delhi High Court. The sessions judge opted for a rehabilitative approach over punitive action, citing her role as a long-standing activist and her contribution to public life.
