Medha Patkar Sentenced to Five Months Imprisonment in Defamation Case

Narmada Bachao Andolan leader Medha Patkar received a five-month simple imprisonment sentence in a defamation case filed by Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena. There is also a Rs 10 lakh fine imposed. The court acknowledged her age but emphasized the severity of her actions, allowing her a month to appeal.

Medha Patkar, the prominent Narmada Bachao Andolan leader, was handed a five-month simple imprisonment sentence by a Delhi court on Monday in a defamation case. The case was originally filed by Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena 23 years ago when he was associated with a Gujarat-based NGO.

The court observed that Patkar's false allegations worsened the offense, imposing a Rs 10 lakh fine to be paid to Saxena. Metropolitan Magistrate Raghav Sharma emphasized the profound damage to Saxena's reputation, trustworthiness, and social standing due to the allegations. However, considering Patkar's age and medical condition, the court suspended the sentence for a month, allowing her time to appeal.

Patkar, reacting to the verdict, stated that her legal team would challenge the court's decision, asserting that her work aimed at helping the poor, tribals, and Dalits. The court highlighted that her high social stature made her allegations even more damaging, necessitating a balanced but significant punishment. The Rs 10 lakh fine was seen as acknowledging Saxena's extensive suffering over the lengthy legal battle.

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