Sat Jan 24 16:53:16 UTC 2026: Headline: Medha Patkar Acquitted in Two-Decade-Old Defamation Case Filed by Delhi L-G V.K. Saxena

The Story:
On January 24, 2026, a Delhi court acquitted Narmada Bachao Andolan activist Medha Patkar in a criminal defamation case filed against her by Delhi Lieutenant Governor (L-G) V.K. Saxena. The case, initiated in 2006, stemmed from allegations that Patkar made defamatory statements against Saxena during a live television program when he was president of the National Council of Civil Liberties (NCCL). Judicial Magistrate Raghav Sharma ruled that the prosecution failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

The court cited the absence of key witnesses, including the reporter who recorded the audio-video and any person who witnessed Patkar making the statements. The court also noted that only a short clip was presented as evidence, making it impossible to determine the full context of Patkar’s remarks.

Key Points:

  • Medha Patkar acquitted in defamation case on January 24, 2026.
  • The case was filed by V.K. Saxena, then president of NCCL, in 2006.
  • The court found the prosecution’s evidence insufficient.
  • Key witnesses were not examined.
  • Only a short clip of the alleged defamatory statement was presented.

Key Takeaways:

  • The acquittal highlights the importance of presenting complete and corroborating evidence in defamation cases.
  • The court emphasized the need for eyewitness testimony and comprehensive context when assessing alleged defamatory statements made during public interviews or press conferences.
  • The ruling brings to a close a legal battle that has spanned two decades.

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