New Delhi: Renowned social activist Medha Patkar has been sentenced to five months of simple imprisonment by the Delhi Saket Court in a criminal defamation case. The case was filed by Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena. Metropolitan Magistrate Raghav Sharm found Patkar guilty of defamation and directed her to pay ₹10 lakh as compensation to Saxena for the damage caused to his reputation.Suspension of sentenceDespite the sentencing, the court has suspended Patkars sentence under section 389(3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure until August 1. This suspension allows Patkar the opportunity to appeal against the courts order. The judge rejected Patkars request to be released on probation, stating, “Considering the facts...damages, age and ailment (of the accused), I am not inclined to give excessive punishment.” This indicates that the judge took into account various factors before deciding on the punishment.#WATCH | Delhi: Narmada Bachao Andolan activist Medha Patkar says, The truth can never be defeated...We have not tried to defame anyone, we only do our work...We will challenge the courts judgement... https://t.co/8KDuq5ufK8 pic.twitter.com/hDelxBLe4G— ANI (@ANI) July 1, 2024Patkars responseReacting to the courts decision, Patkar said, “The truth can never be defeated...We have not tried to defame anyone, we only do our work...We will challenge the courts judgment.” Her statement highlights her determination to continue her fight for justice and her belief in the righteousness of her cause.Long-standing legal battleMedha Patkar and Vinai Kumar Saxena have been embroiled in a legal dispute since 2000, stemming from a lawsuit Patkar filed against him over advertisements targeting her and the Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA). The origins of the case trace back to January 2001, when Saxena, then head of an Ahmedabad-based NGO, accused Patkar of issuing a press release titled “True Face of Patriot” on November 25, 2000. This release allegedly contained false statements aimed at damaging Saxenas reputation.
