On July 30, 2025, the Delhi High Court upheld the defamation conviction of social activist Medha Patkar in a case initiated by current Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena in the year 2000.
Justice Shalinder Kaur affirmed the findings of both the trial court and the appellate court, holding that there was no illegality or infirmity in their decisions to convict Patkar for making defamatory remarks against Saxena.
While upholding the release of Patkar on probation, the Court granted partial relief by modifying the probation condition that required her to appear in person before the trial court every three months. Justice Kaur noted that Patkar could instead appear virtually or through legal representation, noting that no interference was needed with the remaining conditions imposed by the appellate court.
The case relates to comments made by Patkar during the Narmada Bachao Andolan period, which Saxena, then associated with the National Council for Civil Liberties, alleged were defamatory.
Source: Press