New Delhi: In a significant legal development, Delhi’s Saket Court has sentenced renowned social activist Medha Patkar to five months of simple imprisonment in a 23-year-old defamation case. The case was filed by none other than the current Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Vinai Kumar Saxena, who was previously known as VK Saxena. Here are the key details:
- Background and Allegations:
- Back in 2000, VK Saxena published an advertisement targeting Patkar’s Narmada Bachao Andolan (Save Narmada Movement), which opposed the construction of dams over the Narmada River.
- The defamation suit against Patkar was initially filed in an Ahmedabad court in 2001. Later, on the Supreme Court’s directive, the case was transferred to Delhi.
- Verdict and Sentencing:
- The court found Medha Patkar guilty of defamation and sentenced her to five months in prison.
- Considering her age and health, the Judicial Magistrate (First Class) opted for a lenient punishment, avoiding the usual one- to two-year imprisonment.
- Additionally, Patkar was ordered to pay ₹10 lakh as compensation to Saxena.
- Suspension of Sentence and Appeal:
- The court invoked Section 389(3) of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) to suspend the sentence for one month. This allows Patkar to file an appeal against the judgment.
- Patkar now has 30 days to challenge the decision in a higher court.
- Patkar’s Response:
- In her reaction, Medha Patkar emphasized the pursuit of truth and denied any intention to defame anyone. She expressed her determination to contest the verdict in the higher court.
This legal battle, spanning over two decades, sheds light on the delicate balance between free speech and reputational protection. As Patkar prepares to appeal, the case remains a focal point in the ongoing discourse around activism, defamation, and civil liberties in India.
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