New Delhi, April 08 (HS): The Saket Sessions Court in Delhi has granted relief to Medha Patkar, the leader of the Narmada Bachao Andolan, who was convicted in a criminal defamation case filed by Delhi's Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena. Additional Sessions Judge Vishal Singh ordered Medha Patkar to remain on probation for one year instead of serving a three-month jail sentence awarded by the Magistrate Court. The court allowed Medha Patkar to remain on probation on the condition of good conduct.

Additionally, the court reduced the penalty of ten lakh rupees imposed on Medha Patkar by the Magistrate Court to one lakh rupees. The Sessions Court noted that Medha Patkar is 70 years old and has never been convicted in any previous case. Therefore, she is eligible for a reduction in her sentence and fine. On April 2, the Sessions Court had dismissed the petition challenging the sentence given to Medha Patkar by the Magistrate Court.

Earlier, on July 27, 2024, the Sessions Court had issued a notice to VK Saxena, staying the decision of the Judicial Magistrate. Medha Patkar challenged the sentence of five months of imprisonment and a fine of ten lakh rupees given by the Judicial Magistrate in the Sessions Court. The Judicial Magistrate had sentenced Medha Patkar on July 1, 2024. The Judicial Magistrate's Court had stated that the maximum punishment for this case is two years, but considering Medha Patkar's health, a sentence of five months was given. The Magistrate Court had convicted Medha Patkar under Section 500 of the Indian Penal Code. The court stated that it was clear that Medha Patkar made false accusations against VK Saxena with the intent to harm his reputation.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar