1 day Ago By TOI News Desk
Activist Medha Patkar NEW DEHI: A Delhi court on Wednesday dismissed social activist Medha Patkar 's appeal against her conviction in a defamation case from 2001 and asked her to appear on April 8 when it will pronounce the sentence. Dismissing the appeal, additional sessions Judge (ASJ) Vishal Singh in Saket District Court said, "Appeal is dismissed and Conviction sustained." The court indicated that the appellant must appear in person for sentencing.
Her legal representative requested to present arguments regarding whether physical presence is mandatory or virtual attendance would suffice. The court scheduled to hear these submissions after lunch. The court specified that sentence enhancement was not under consideration as it wasn't requested.
The sentence could either be reduced or maintained at current levels. She received a sentence and fine on July 1 previous year for defaming V K Saxena (current LG Delhi). The Magistrate court's conviction in May 2024 was challenged by Patkar in the session court.
On Wednesday, the court clarified that sentencing requires physical presence of the convict and cannot proceed via video conferencing. The court scheduled to hear Patkar's counsel regarding sentencing at 2 PM. The legal representative sought clarification about the requirement of physical presence versus video conferencing attendance.
The court imposed a five-month jail term and Rs. 10 lakh fine on Patkar. She received one month's bail to contest the trial court's decision.
The Saket court in Delhi sentenced Narmada Bachao Andolan activist Medha Patkar to 5 months simple imprisonment on July 1. Additionally, the court ordered her to pay Rs. 10 lakh as compensation to Complainant V K Saksena.
On July 1, the court mentioned that considering her age, health conditions and duration, it refrained from severe punishment. Her request for release on probation of good conduct was denied. The court noted that the convict presented a defence but failed to provide supporting evidence.
V K Saksena's counsel, Advocate Gajinder Kumar, expressed willingness to transfer the compensation to DLSA. The court stated that compensation would go to the complainant, who could then utilise it as desired. The court found Medha Patkar guilty on May 24 for defaming V K Saksena.
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