Delhi court convicts Medha Patkar in defamation case filed by VK Saxena

VK Saxena was then the chief of Ahmedabad-based NGO National Council for Civil Liberties

Updated on: May 24, 2024, 18:51:07 IST

By HT News Desk

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A Delhi court on Friday convicted social activist and Narmada Bachao Andolan leader Medha Patkar in a defamation case lodged against her by Delhi lieutenant governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, PTI reported.

Patkar was found guilty of criminal defamation by Saket court's metropolitan magistrate Raghav Sharma. As per law, she might get a jail term of two years or fine or both as the punishment.

Both Medha Patkar and the VK Saxena have been locked in a legal battle since 2000 after she filed a suit against him for publishing advertisements against her and the Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA).

Both Patkar and the Delhi LG have been locked in a legal battle since 2000 after she filed a suit against him for publishing advertisements against her and the Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA).

VK Saxena was then the chief of Ahmedabad-based NGO National Council for Civil Liberties.

Saxena had also filed two cases against her for making derogatory remarks against him on a TV channel and issuing a defamatory press statement.

Last year, the Gujarat high court had provided a temporary relief for Saxena by issuing an interim stay on any further proceedings related to the case concerning the alleged assault on Patkar in 2002.

VK Saxena along with two other BJP MLAs and a Congress leader is accused of assaulting the social activist at the Sabaramati Ashram in 2002.

The incident occurred during a meeting aimed at promoting peace after communal riots broke out in Gujarat. A first information report (FIR) was registered against the current Delhi LG and the others for unlawful assembly, assault, wrongful restraint, and criminal intimidation.

In another case, Patkar along with 12 others were booked in a case of fraud in Barwani district of Madhya Pradesh last year. As per the FIR, Patkar and other trustees misled the people to donate to her trust for the welfare of the people of Narmada valley in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.

Patkar shot to the limelight through the Narmada Bachao Andolan in 1985 to highlight issues faced by tribals, labourers, farmers, fishermen, their families and others living near the Narmada valley.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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