26 May 2024: In a significant legal development, a Delhi court has convicted renowned environmental activist and Narmada Bachao Andolan leader Medha Patkar in a defamation case that has spanned over two decades. The case was originally filed by Vinai Kumar Saxena, currently the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, but who at the time was heading the Ahmedabad-based NGO National Council for Civil Liberties.
The origins of the case date back to November 2000, when Patkar issued a press note alleging that Saxena had issued a cheque for Rs 40,000 in support of her organization, which subsequently bounced as the bank reported the account did not exist. In her statement, Patkar characterized Saxena as a coward and unpatriotic, further alleging his involvement in dishonest activities.
Following these accusations, Saxena initiated legal proceedings against Patkar in 2001. The case was recognized by the Metropolitan Magistrate Court in Ahmedabad, which initiated proceedings under Section 500 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, pertaining to criminal defamation. Two years later, in 2003, the Supreme Court transferred the case to a chief metropolitan magistrate court in Delhi.
Despite the prolonged nature of the legal battle, Patkar pleaded not guilty and requested a trial in 2011. In the recent ruling, Metropolitan Magistrate Raghav Sharma of Saket Courts found Patkar guilty, concluding that her statements were both defamatory and malicious, causing significant harm to Saxena’s reputation. The court noted that the accusations of cowardice and lack of patriotism were particularly damaging in the public sphere, where such traits are highly valued. The court further highlighted that these statements were designed to incite negative perceptions and diminish Saxena’s public esteem.
The judge also pointed out that Patkar failed to provide any evidence to substantiate her claims or to show that she did not foresee the harm her statements would cause. The court emphasized that questioning someone’s national loyalty and integrity, particularly in the context of public service, can lead to irreversible damage to their social standing.
As the legal proceedings move forward, the court has scheduled the hearing for arguments on the sentence for May 30. This ruling underscores the serious repercussions of defamatory statements and the potential long-term impact on individuals’ reputations and careers.
