Delhi HC Defers Medha Patkar's Arguments In Plea Seeking Suspension of Sentence

The Delhi High Court, on Monday, deferred the arguments by Medha Patkar in her petitions seeking interim relief in the form of suspension of sentence. She was convicted of criminal defamation and sentenced to up to 5 months in simple imprisonment along with compensation.

The case stemmed from a suit filed by Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena claiming that Patkar had made defamatory statements on television aimed at ruining Saxena's reputation. The court also held that the statements by Patkar were 'malicious and deliberate'.

The bench of Justice Shalinder Kaur heard arguments presented by Senior Advocate Sanjay Parikh appearing for Patkar and listed the case for further argument.

In the previous hearing, Senior Advocate Parikh submitted that per the provision, they can examine witnesses who were not included in the original witness list.

On April 25, the court granted interim relief to Patkar by suspending her sentence after she was arrested for failing to comply with the probation conditions set by the sessions court.

On April 23, a Delhi Court had issued non-bailable warrants (NBWs) against activist Medha Patkar for failing to appear and comply with the sentencing order passed earlier this month in the criminal defamation.

Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Vishal Singh of the Saket Courts observed that Patkar had deliberately failed to comply with the April 8 sentencing order, which had granted her the benefit of probation subject to furnishing compensation.

Patkar was convicted under Section 500 of the Indian Penal Code for criminal defamation in a case dating back to 2001. The case was filed by VK Saxena, who was then heading an Ahmedabad-based NGO, alleging that Patkar had made defamatory statements against him in a press note titled "True Face of Patriot."

She was sentenced to five months’ imprisonment and directed to pay Rs.10 lakh as compensation, with the sentence suspended pending appeal. However, she failed to adhere to the Court’s directions for availing the benefit of probation.

For Petitioner: Senior Advocate Sanjay Parikh with Advocates Sridevi Panikkar, Abhimanue and Kritika

For Respondent: Advocates Gajinder Kumar, Kiran Jai and Chandra Shekhar

Case Title: Medha Patkar v VK Saxena (CRL.REV.P. 163/2025)

[Inputs: ANI News]