Relief for Medha Patkar: Delhi Court Acquits Activist in Defamation Case

A Delhi court has acquitted prominent social activist Medha Patkar in a defamation case initiated by Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena. The case dates back to a 2006 television program appearance where Patkar allegedly made defamatory remarks.

The court dismissed the charges citing the absence of admissible evidence. Saxena was unable to provide the original recording device or the complete footage needed to substantiate his claims against Patkar, undermining the basis of the defamation charge under Section 500 of the Indian Penal Code.

During the program, Patkar had reportedly claimed that Saxena and his NGO involved with the Sardar Sarovar project received civil contracts. However, as neither the reporter nor any witnesses who might have confirmed Patkar's statements were examined, and the video evidence remained incomplete, the court ruled in Patkar's favor, leading to her acquittal.