Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena Challenges Medha Patkar's Defamation Appeal

Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena filed a reply to Medha Patkar's appeal in the defamation case, arguing that the appeal is invalid and should be dismissed. Saxena's counsel raised issues regarding the signing and filing dates of the appeal. The court deferred ruling until further arguments are heard.

In a significant development, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena submitted a response on Wednesday to the defamation appeal by social activist Medha Patkar. Saxena's reply contends that the appeal is not maintainable because it was not signed by Patkar herself and alleges that a false affidavit was filed, necessitating dismissal.

Saxena's counsel, Gajinder Kumar, urged the court to consider these points and request Patkar's surrender. Additional Sessions Judge Vishal Singh acknowledged the reply and noted the discrepancies raised by Saxena's counsel. The appeal, dated July 24, 2024, was reportedly not submitted until July 27, and was signed by Patkar's counsel, not by Patkar.

Kumar pointed out that Patkar's affidavit, dated July 17, 2024, predated the appeal petition, indicating misalignment in the filing process. While Patkar's counsel argued the appeal was prepared under her instructions, the court requested an e-copy of the appeal from Patkar's personal email to clarify the matter. The court deferred decision-making on the appeal's validity, setting the next hearing for October 18.

In July, the Saket court sentenced Patkar to five months in prison and ordered her to pay Rs. 10 lakh in compensation to Saxena, concluding a 24-year-old defamation case. The court has left open the legal questions raised by Saxena's counsel pending further arguments.

(With inputs from agencies.)