A Delhi court on Monday sentenced social activist Medha Patkar to five months of simple imprisonment. This sentence is the culmination of a 24-year-old defamation case brought against her by VK Saxena, now the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi. The court also ordered Patkar to pay Rs 10 lakh in damages to Saxena.
The Long-Standing Legal Battle
Patkar’s legal troubles date back to 2000 when she filed a lawsuit against Saxena for publishing advertisements that were critical of her and the Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA), an environmental movement she was leading. At that time, Saxena was the head of the Ahmedabad-based NGO National Council for Civil Liberties.
Defamation Conviction
Saxena, in turn, filed two defamation cases against Patkar for making derogatory remarks about him on a television channel and issuing a defamatory statement. In May this year, the Metropolitan Magistrate Raghav Sharma’s court convicted Patkar, ruling that her statements were “not only defamatory but also crafted to incite negative perceptions.”
Court’s Considerations and Patkar’s Response
When delivering the sentence, the court considered Patkar’s age and health, opting for a less severe punishment. “The truth can never be defeated…We have not tried to defame anyone, we only do our work…We will challenge the court’s judgement,” said Patkar in response to the court’s decision.
Sentence Suspension and Appeal
Patkar, who is 69 years old, has filed a bail plea. The court has suspended her sentence for 30 days to allow her time to appeal against the order. Her sentence remains suspended under section 389(3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure until August 1.
Rejection of Probation Request
The court rejected Patkar’s request for probation, noting, “Considering the facts…damages, age, and ailment (of the accused), I am not inclined to give excessive punishment.” This indicates the court’s decision to balance the punishment with consideration of Patkar’s circumstances while still acknowledging the seriousness of the defamation.
Ongoing Legal Disputes
The legal dispute between Patkar and Saxena has been ongoing since 2000. It began with Patkar’s lawsuit against Saxena for his critical advertisements about her and the NBA. This case has highlighted the long-standing tensions and legal battles between the two over the years.
Medha Patkar’s conviction and sentencing mark a significant chapter in her long-standing legal battle with VK Saxena. The case underscores the complexities and repercussions of defamation lawsuits, particularly when they span over two decades. As Patkar prepares to appeal the ruling, the case remains a focal point in discussions about legal justice and defamation in India.
(With inputs from agencies)
