Court Grants Bail and Suspends Sentence for Medha Patkar in Defamation Case

On July 29, a Delhi court suspended the sentence of social activist Medha Patkar, known for her work with the Narmada Bachao Andolan, in a defamation case filed by former Delhi Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena. Additional Sessions Judge Vishal Singh granted Patkar bail after she furnished a ₹25,000 bond.

The court has also issued a notice to Saxena for his response to Patkar’s appeal against the conviction, which had previously resulted in a five-month jail term and ₹10 lakh compensation. The defamation case, dating back to 2001, was prompted by Patkar’s critical remarks against Saxena when he led an NGO opposing her movement. The matter will be reviewed again on September 4.