After almost two decades in the courts, activist Medha Patkar has emerged victorious. On January 25, Saket Court in Delhi acquitted her in a criminal defamation case brought by Delhi LG VK Saxena, citing the prosecution’s complete inability to prove its allegations.
The dispute traces to 2001, when Saxena, heading the National Council for Civil Liberties, accused Patkar of slanderous TV remarks in 2006. She purportedly alleged his NGO secured contracts from the Sardar Sarovar project. But Magistrate Raghav Sharma’s detailed verdict exposed the case’s weaknesses: no evidence confirmed Patkar spoke live on the program.
Court records showed only a pre-recorded video snippet of Patkar was played, insufficient to attribute defamatory intent or delivery. Without ‘concrete and legally tenable’ materials, the charges collapsed, granting Patkar full acquittal.
This saga underscores tensions between activists and authorities over dam projects displacing communities. Patkar faced dual suits from Saxena—one for TV, one for press remarks—reflecting broader efforts to silence critics. Her clearance bolsters defenses against strategic litigation aimed at activists (SLAPP suits).
The decision arrives as Patkar’s work remains relevant amid ongoing debates on development versus rights. It affirms that free speech protections hold firm absent proof of malice. Patkar’s supporters celebrate it as justice delayed but delivered, urging reforms to prevent misuse of defamation laws against public interest voices.