A Delhi court has acquitted social activist Medha Patkar in a long-running criminal defamation case linked to remarks allegedly aired during a television debate nearly two decades ago. The case was filed by V.K. Saxena, head of the National Council for Civil Liberties (NCCL), who claimed his reputation was harmed by statements attributed to Patkar on India TV in April 2006.
The verdict was delivered on January 24, 2026, by Judicial Magistrate First Class Raghav Sharma at the Saket Courts, South-East District.
Background of the Case
The dispute arose from a programme titled “Breaking News” telecast on India TV on April 20, 2006. During the show, a video clip featuring Medha Patkar was played, in which she allegedly accused V.K. Saxena of receiving civil contracts related to the Sardar Sarovar Project while running an NGO.
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Saxena denied the allegation on air and later issued a legal notice demanding proof. When no response followed, he filed a criminal complaint under Section 500 of the Indian Penal Code, which deals with defamation. The case was eventually transferred to Delhi following a Supreme Court order.
The key question before the court was not whether the statement was defamatory in nature, but whether it was legally proved that Medha Patkar had actually made the alleged statements in the manner claimed.
During the trial, the complainant relied mainly on video recordings of the TV programme. Witnesses from India TV confirmed that only short video clips of Patkar were aired during the show, and that she was not present as a live panelist.
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The court carefully examined whether these video recordings could be treated as valid evidence under law.
Court’s Observations
The magistrate noted serious gaps in the prosecution’s evidence, particularly concerning electronic records. The court held that the footage of the TV programme only showed that a clip was played, not that Patkar made the statement during the programme itself.
“The original device that recorded the accused allegedly making the impugned statement has not been produced before the court,” the judge observed.
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The court further pointed out that the CDs and pen drives submitted were inadmissible because they were not supported by a valid certificate under Section 65B of the Indian Evidence Act, which is mandatory for electronic evidence.
Another crucial weakness was inconsistency in the complainant’s own testimony. At different stages, Saxena gave conflicting versions on whether Patkar was physically present, appeared live via video link, or whether only a pre-recorded clip was shown.
Failure to Prove the Charge
The judge emphasized that criminal defamation requires proof beyond reasonable doubt. Since the prosecution failed to establish that Medha Patkar personally made the alleged statements in the first place, the remaining elements of defamation could not stand.
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“No eyewitness to the original recording was examined, nor was the complete original recording produced,” the court noted.
Decision
Holding that the complainant had failed to prove his case, the Saket court acquitted Medha Patkar of the charge under Section 500 IPC.
“It is hereby held that the complainant has failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt,” the magistrate ruled, formally closing a case that had remained pending since 2010.
Case Title: V.K. Saxena vs. Medha Patkar
Case Number: CC No. 618973/2016
Date of Judgment: 24 January 2026
