SC transfers defamation case against Patkar to Delhi

The Supreme Court on Friday shifted the trial in a defamation case against Narmada Bachao Andolan activist Medha Patkar from Gujarat to the national capital, allowing her plea in this regard.

The Supreme Court on Friday shifted the trial in a defamation case against Narmada Bachao Andolan activist Medha Patkar from Gujarat to the national capital, allowing her plea in this regard.

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The NBA leader had sought transfer of the case filed by V K Saxena, president of Ahmedabad-based NGO National Council for Civil Liberties (NCCL), in a Gujarat court in 2006 for her allegedly defamatory remarks during a TV debate pertaining to Sardar Sarovar Project.

The court took into account that earlier also it had shfited a defamation case to Patiala House court here from Ahmedabad.

A Bench comprising Justices B Sudershan Reddy and S S Nijjar declined the submission of Saxena's counsel Amar Dave to put some conditions for shifting the trial.

During the brief hearing when Patkar's counsel Prashant Bhushan informed the Bench about the other case being heard at the Patiala House court, Dave questioned the conduct of the NBA leader saying she was not prosecuting that case and was avoiding appearance before the trial court.

Saxena's counsel said Patkar has been visiting Gujarat and it would be no problem for her if the case was shifted outside Ahmedabad at any other place in Gujarat.

However, the Bench said since another case is already placed before a trial court here, the complainant should not have any problem.