New Delhi [India], April 25 (ANI): Prominent social activist Medha Patkar was arrested by Delhi Police on Friday following a non-bailable warrant (NBW) issued against her earlier this week by the Saket court in a longstanding defamation case dating back to 2000. She is scheduled to be presented before the Saket court later today.
The arrest follows an order issued by Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Vishal Singh on April 23, directing the police to enforce Patkar’s appearance after she failed to comply with court directives related to her sentencing. “Issue NBWs against convict Medha Patkar, through the office of the Commissioner of Police, for the next date,” the court had stated.
The case was originally filed by the current Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, stemming from allegations of defamation over two decades ago. In July 2024, Patkar was convicted in the matter and sentenced to three months’ imprisonment by the Magistrate’s court. She was also ordered to pay Rs 10 lakh in compensation to Saxena. However, she was granted bail to appeal the order.
On April 8, 2025, the appellate court upheld her conviction but permitted her release on probation for one year, contingent upon good conduct and the submission of a probation bond. The court had directed Patkar to appear in person on April 23 to comply with the sentence conditions, including furnishing the compensation amount.
However, the court noted her absence on that date and deemed it a deliberate attempt to avoid the legal process. “The convict is absent and has deliberately failed to comply with the order on sentence and to avail the benefit of probation,” the court remarked.
Judge Singh underscored that there was no order from the High Court suspending Patkar’s sentence, rendering her absence unjustified. “The intention of convict Medha Patkar is apparent… she is deliberately violating the court order,” he said. Consequently, the court determined it had no choice but to enforce her appearance through coercive means.
An application filed by Patkar’s legal team seeking adjournment on the grounds of a pending appeal before the High Court was also dismissed. The court termed the application “frivolous and mischievous” and accused it of attempting to mislead the judiciary.
The case has now been listed for further proceedings and for a report on the execution of the NBW on May 3. The court has warned that failure to comply with the terms of sentencing may result in a reconsideration and alteration of the probationary relief granted earlier.
Medha Patkar, known for her work in environmental and social activism, especially through the Narmada Bachao Andolan, has not yet made a public statement regarding her arrest.
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