NEW DELHI: A Delhi court on Wednesday dismissed social activist Medha Patkar’s appeal against her conviction in a 2001 defamation case, affirming the earlier ruling by the trial court.
Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Vishal Singh of the Saket Court upheld the conviction, stating, “The appeal is dismissed, and the conviction is sustained.”
The court also clarified that while the sentence could either be maintained or reduced, there was no scope for enhancement since it had not been requested. Patkar was sentenced to five months of simple imprisonment and fined Rs 10 lakh for defaming V. K. Saxena, Lieutenant Governor of Delhi.
The magistrate court had convicted her in May 2024, and she had subsequently challenged the ruling before the session court. On July 1 2024, the Saket Court had sentenced the Narmada Bachao Andolan activist, noting that considering her age, health, and the duration of the case, it was refraining from imposing a harsher punishment. However, the court had rejected her plea for release on probation based on good conduct. The court also observed that while Patkar had mounted a defence, she was unable to provide any supporting evidence.
Advocate Gajinder Kumar, representing V K Saxena, said that his client did not seek any compensation and intended to donate it to the Delhi State Legal Services Authority. The court clarified that the compensation amount would be awarded to the complainant, who could then dispose of it as he wished. Patkar was granted bail for one month to appeal against the trial court’s judgment. With her appeal now dismissed, she must comply with the sentencing order.