Delhi High Court Upholds Medha Patkar's Conviction in 23-Year-Old Defamation Case

The Delhi High Court upheld the conviction of activist Medha Patkar in a defamation case filed in 2000 by Delhi LG V K Saxena. The court found no legal flaws in the trial court's decision, maintaining Patkar's probation but modifying its conditions. Patkar's plea for an additional witness was also rejected.

The Delhi High Court has upheld the conviction of Medha Patkar in a 23-year-old defamation lawsuit filed by Delhi LG V K Saxena. The court found no illegality in the original trial court's decision, rejecting Patkar's appeals for reconsideration.

The decision maintained the verdict of releasing Patkar on probation, although it modified the terms to allow virtual or lawyer representation for periodic appearances. This ruling followed Saxena's accusation that Patkar defamed him in a press release, which was deemed to harm his public service reputation.

Attempts by Patkar to introduce a new witness were dismissed by the court, which stood firm on the original and sessions court findings of her guilt in the defamation case. The case serves as a significant legal precedent in handling defamation suits involving public figures.

(With inputs from agencies.)