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Saket Court will deliver its verdict on April 2 regarding the petition challenging the conviction of Medha Patkar, the leader of Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA), in a criminal defamation case filed by Delhi’s Deputy Governor, VK Saxena.
Additional Sessions Judge Vishal Singh’s training has delayed the judgment, which was initially expected on April 5.
Case Background: Defamation Allegations By VK Saxena
The defamation case against Patkar stems from a 2001 complaint filed by VK Saxena, who at the time was the head of the Ahmedabad-based NGO, the National Council for Civil Liberties.
Patkar accused Saxena of dishonesty and suggested his involvement in financial irregularities through a press note titled ‘Deshbhakt ka Asli Chehra’.
Patkar claimed that Saxena had issued a cheque for Rs 40,000 to the NBA, which later bounced, as the bank revealed that the account did not exist.
In addition to these allegations, Patkar referred to Saxena as a ‘coward’ and criticized his patriotism.
Saxena’s lawyer argued that the remarks were deliberate, defamatory, and aimed at tarnishing his reputation, causing significant damage to his image.
Court Proceedings: Controversies & Requests For Maximum Punishment
During the court proceedings, Patkar’s lawyer emphasized her societal contributions, citing numerous awards she had received for her work.
They also highlighted her age and requested leniency, arguing that Patkar should not face a harsh sentence in light of her good conduct.
However, Saxena’s lawyer called for the maximum possible punishment, emphasizing the severity of the damage caused by Patkar’s allegations.
The court had previously asked Patkar to send a signed copy of her appeal to the judge’s official email after she failed to sign her petition, as part of the procedural requirements.
Court’s Observations: Deliberate Defamation & Damage To Reputation
In its assessment, the court stated that Patkar’s actions were intentional and ‘unfortunate’, describing them as an attempt to tarnish Saxena’s public image.
The court further concluded that Patkar had not only defamed Saxena but had also fabricated the allegations with the intent to create negative perceptions about him.
The judgment also noted that Patkar’s statements about Saxena allegedly mortgaging the people and resources of Gujarat for foreign interests were a direct attack on his integrity and public service.
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