Delhi HC upholds conviction of activist Medha Patkar in defamation case filed by Delhi LG VK Saxena

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday upheld the conviction of activist Medha Patkar in a 24-year-old defamation case filed by Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, Live Law reported.

Justice Shalinder Kaur said that there was no illegality in the decisions taken by the trial court and the appellate court to convict the Narmada Bachao Andolan leader in the case, adding that the orders were passed after consideration of evidence and law.

The High Court was hearing a petition filed by Patkar against the trial court’s April verdict dismissing her appeal against her conviction in the case. She had also challenged the order directing her to appear in person before the trial court to make submissions on the sentencing.

Patkar failed to demonstrate any defects in the procedure that was followed or any error in the law that resulted in the alleged miscarriage of justice, Kaur said on Tuesday.

The bench further upheld the decision taken by the appellate court to release Patkar on probation, Bar and Bench reported.

However, the High Court modified the probation condition requiring her to appear before the trial court every three months. The activist can now appear online or be represented by an advocate.

“All the other conditions do not require any interference by this court,” Kaur said.

The bench also dismissed another petition filed by...

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