On Friday, Medha Patkar, the prominent activist associated with the Narmada Bachao Andolan, withdrew her plea in the Delhi High Court challenging her conviction in a criminal defamation case filed by Vinai Kumar Saxena, the current Lieutenant Governor of Delhi.
The defamation case dates back to 2001 when Saxena, then the president of the National Council for Civil Liberties, filed a complaint against Patkar. The complaint was based on a press release issued by Patkar in November 2000, titled "True Face of Patriot," which contained statements allegedly defamatory to Saxena.
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In the press release, Patkar accused Saxena of being involved in hawala transactions and labeled him a "coward" and "not a patriot." She also alleged that a cheque issued by Saxena had bounced and that his bank account did not exist. These statements were deemed defamatory by the court, leading to Patkar's conviction under Section 500 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860.
The trial court had earlier convicted Patkar, observing that her actions were deliberate and malicious, aimed at tarnishing Saxena's good name and causing substantial harm to his standing and credit. The court noted that Patkar's statements were not only defamatory per se but also crafted to incite negative perceptions.
Following her conviction, Patkar was sentenced to five months in prison and directed to pay a compensation of ₹10 lakh to Saxena. However, considering her age and health condition, the court suspended the sentence for one month to allow her to file an appeal.
In the Delhi High Court, Justice Shalinder Kaur dismissed Patkar's plea as withdrawn, granting her the liberty to file a fresh petition if she so desired. Patkar's counsel had sought the withdrawal of the plea, which the court permitted.
This case highlights the legal implications of defamation and the importance of safeguarding one's reputation. The court's decision underscores the need for individuals to exercise caution in making statements that could harm another person's reputation, emphasizing the significance of truth and intent in defamation cases.
As the legal proceedings continue, the outcome of any future petitions filed by Patkar will be closely watched, as they may set precedents in defamation law and the protection of individual reputations.
Title: Medha Patkar v. VK Saxena
