Archive · 25 Jan 2026
Delhi Court Acquits Medha Patkar in 2006 Defamation Case
A court in Delhi has cleared Medha Patkar, a social activist, in a defamation case that started 20 years ago.
The case was filed by VK Saxena, who is now the Delhi Lieutenant Governor.
Saxena accused Patkar of making false and damaging statements about his organization's involvement in the Sardar Sarovar Project.
The court found that the prosecution did not have enough evidence to prove their case.
They pointed out that the original video of the interview where the alleged defamatory remarks were made was missing, and there were no eyewitnesses.
This case is separate from another defamation case between the two, where Patkar was convicted but given probation.
The court's decision means that Patkar is not guilty in this particular case.
A Delhi court acquitted activist Medha Patkar in a 20-year-old defamation case filed by Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena.
The case dated back to 2006 when Saxena headed the National Council for Civil Liberties (NCCL).
The court noted evidentiary gaps, including the absence of the original video footage and lack of eyewitnesses.
The case stemmed from a televised interview where Patkar allegedly made defamatory remarks about Saxena's organization's involvement in the Sardar Sarovar Project.
This acquittal is separate from another defamation case where Patkar was convicted but granted probation in 2025.
- Who
- Medha Patkar (defendant) and VK Saxena (complainant)
- What
- Acquittal in a 20-year-old criminal defamation case
- When
- January 24, 2026
- Where
- Saket Courts, Delhi
- Why
- Prosecution failed to prove the case due to evidentiary gaps, including missing original video footage and lack of eyewitnesses
Prosecution (VK Saxena)
Defense (Medha Patkar)
Evidence
Prosecution (VK Saxena)
Prosecution claims Patkar made defamatory statements about Saxena's organization.
Defense (Medha Patkar)
Defense argues the prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence, including the original video footage and eyewitnesses.
- Defendant
- Medha Patkar
- Complainant
- VK Saxena (Delhi Lieutenant Governor)
- Case Type
- Criminal Defamation
- Case Duration
- 20 years (2006-2026)
- Court
- Saket Courts, Delhi
- Key Evidence Issue
- Missing original video footage
- Previous Case Outcome
- Conviction in 2001 defamation case, probation granted in 2025
- Date of Acquittal
- January 24, 2026
Sources
'Evidentiary Gaps': After 20 Years, Delhi Court Clears Medha Patkar In VK Saxena's Defamation Case
Medha Patkar acquitted in defamation case filed by Delhi L-G
Delhi court acquits activist Medha Patkar in 20-year-old defamation case by LG VK Saxena
Delhi court acquits Medha Patkar in defamation case, cites lack of admissible evidence
