Supreme Court Affirms Medha Patkar's Guilt in Libel Case
In a landmark decision, activist Medha Patkar has been convicted of criminal defamation by the Indian judiciary in a case dating back to 2000. The case, filed by V.K. Saxena, then president of the National Council of Civil Liberties, stemmed from a defamatory press release issued by Patkar on November 24, 2000.
The press release, titled "True Face of Patriot," made accusations against Saxena that he was "mortgaging" the people of Gujarat and their resources to foreign interests. This statement was seen as a direct attack on his integrity and public service.
The trial court convicted Patkar on July 1, 2024, sentencing her to five months of simple imprisonment and ordering Rs 1 lakh as compensation to Saxena. The court found that the defamatory imputations were specific, published, and harmed Saxena’s reputation.
Following this, the additional sessions court released Patkar on "probation for good conduct," modifying the sentence but requiring compliance with probation conditions. The Delhi High Court upheld her conviction and punishment on July 29, 2025, further modifying the probation terms to require Patkar's quarterly appearances before the court, allowing physical, video, or advocate representation.
In August 2025, the Supreme Court of India confirmed Patkar's conviction but set aside the Rs 1 lakh monetary penalty and supervision orders. The Court acknowledged the conviction based on the defamation evidence but waived the fine and probation supervision, extending the time for Patkar to furnish a probation bond of Rs 25,000.
This case is significant for highlighting legal boundaries on activists' statements in politically sensitive environmental movements and clarifying defamation law application after two and a half decades. It serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining the integrity and reputation of public figures in the discourse of public service.
The case began when Patkar accused Saxena of financial misconduct, a claim that Saxena disputed, leading to the defamation suit. The case has been a long and winding journey through the Indian judiciary, finally coming to a conclusion with the Supreme Court's decision in 2025.
In a twist, Patkar challenged the April 2 sessions court order upholding her conviction. However, the sessions court dismissed her appeal and upheld the verdict of conviction on April 8, 2024. The court found that Patkar's statements were not only defamatory but also crafted to incite negative perceptions.
The magisterial court sentenced Patkar to five months of simple imprisonment and a fine of Rs 10 lakh on July 1, 2024, after finding her guilty under Section 500 of the Indian Penal Code. The high court later modified the condition of Patkar's probation, allowing her to appear before the trial court once every three months via videoconferencing or through a lawyer.
This case underscores the importance of responsible journalism and the consequences of making false accusations against public figures. It also serves as a reminder for activists to be mindful of their words and actions, especially in politically sensitive matters.
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