The Delhi High Court has dismissed 2 petitions filed by social activist Medha Patkar in a defamation case brought by the current Lieutenant Governor (LG) V.K. Saxena.
Patkar had challenged both her conviction and the trial court’s refusal to allow additional witnesses in a related defamation suit.
Case Overview
Medha Patkar was convicted of defamation by the Magistrate Court on May 24, 2024. She was sentenced to 3 months in jail and ordered to pay Rs. 10 lakh compensation to LG Saxena on July 1, 2024. She secured bail to contest the verdict in higher courts.
On April 8, 2025, the appellate court confirmed her conviction but altered the sentence. It released her on probation for one year, subject to good conduct, and reduced the compensation to Rs. 1 lakh. She was directed to furnish a probation bond and pay the amount by April 23, 2025.
Petitions Challenged By Patkar
Patkar approached the Delhi High Court to overturn her conviction and to seek permission for additional witnesses in a defamation suit she had filed separately. The bench, led by Justice Shalinder Kaur, heard arguments from both parties.
Advocate Gajinder Kumar and his team represented LG Saxena, while Patkar was defended by her counsel. After hearing submissions, the court dismissed both petitions.
Interim Bail Following Arrest
On April 25, 2025, after Patkar was arrested following a non-bailable warrant for non-compliance with court orders, the High Court granted her interim bail.
Justice Shalinder Kaur remarked, “As contentious issues have been raised on behalf of the parties with respect to the suspension of sentence, and that the learned Senior Counsel submits that the petitioner has been taken in custody in execution of the NBW, therefore, in these circumstances, by way of an interim means, the petitioner be released on bail on furnishing a personal bond in the sum of Rs. 25,000 with one surety in the like amount to the satisfaction of the learned ASJ/Link ASJ/CMM/Duty Magistrate.”
Court’s Final Direction
The court has given Medha Patkar three weeks to comply with probation terms set by the appellate court. A detailed order explaining the court’s decision will be made available shortly.
This ruling closes a critical chapter in a high-profile legal battle, underscoring the judiciary’s balanced approach to cases involving public figures and defamation claims.
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