In a landmark decision, Delhi’s Saket Court has handed down a significant judgment against prominent activist Medha Patkar, sentencing her to five months of imprisonment for criminal defamation. The case, initiated by Delhi’s former Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena dating back to 2001, concluded with Patkar being found guilty on 24th May 2024. Alongside the imprisonment, she has been ordered to pay a substantial compensation of Rs. 10 lakhs.
The controversy stems from a contentious advertisement published by Saxena, then Chief of the NGO National Council for Civil Liberties, criticizing Patkar’s Narmada Bachao Andolan. In response, Patkar issued a press note titled “true face of patriot,” which sparked the legal battle that culminated in this recent judgment.
This verdict not only underscores the legal repercussions of defamation but also reignites debates surrounding freedom of expression and the responsibilities of public figures in the realm of activism.
