The Supreme Court of India on August 11, 2025, declined to overturn the criminal defamation conviction of activist and Narmada Bachao Andolan leader Medha Patkar, which had been lodged by Vinai Kumar Saxena, currently serving as the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi
A bench comprising Justice MM Sundresh and Justice N. Kotiswar Singh upheld Patkar’s conviction but scrapped the Rs 1 lakh fine previously imposed on her. Additionally, the bench relaxed her probation requirements, allowing her to furnish bonds instead of physically appearing in court at regular intervals
In November 25, 2000, a dispute was originated after a press note titled “True Face of Patriot”, was published in which Patkar accused Saxena of involvement in hawala transactions, alleged a bounced Rs 40,000 cheque from the Lalbhai Group, and characterized him as a “coward” rather than a patriot.
Medha Patekar was convicted by a trial court in In April 2025, under Section 500 of the IPC, perceiving her statements as intentionally malicious and damaging to Saxena’s reputation. The court suspended the jail sentence, granting probation and requiring a bond of ₹25,000.
- On July 29, 2025, the Delhi High Court upheld both the conviction and punishment but softened the periodic attendance requirement—it allowed Patkar to appear in person, via video conference, or through counsel
During the Supreme Court hearing, Senior Advocate Sanjay Parikh argued that two key witnesses were disbelieved and that a pivotal email lacked certification under Section 65B of the Indian Evidence Act, rendering it inadmissible.
Vinai Saxena was represented by Senior Advocate Maninder Singh who contended that at least a token fine should remain upheld. The bench, however, opted not to disturb the conviction and penalty waiver.