New Delhi, India

Delhi's Saket court on Monday (Jul 1) sentenced activist and Narmada Bachao Andolan leader Medha Patkar to five months imprisonment in a 23-year-old criminal defamation case which was filed by Vinai Kumar Saxena, who is the current Lieutenant Governor of Delhi. 

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Patkar was also ordered to pay ₹10 lakh ($11,984) compensation to Saxena. 

The case was lodged against Patkar by Saxena in 2001 for defaming him in a press note dated November 25, 2000, titled "true face of patriot". He had filed the case when he was the Chief of Ahmedabad-based NGO National Council for Civil Liberties. 

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The Court said that because of Patkar's age and health-related problems, excessive punishment is not being imposed on her. The judge also said that the sentencing would remain suspended for 30 days under section 389(3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure so that she appeal against the order. 

"Considering the facts...damages, age and ailment (of the accused), I am not inclined to give excessive punishment," the judge said rejecting Patkar's plea to release her on the condition of probation. 

Patkar filed a suit against Saxena for publishing advertisements against her and the Narmada Bachao Andolan. Meanwhile, Saxena had also filed two lawsuits against her for making derogatory remarks against him on television. 

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Patkar said in the press note: "VKSaxena, one who is pained by the Hawala transactions himself came to Malegaon, praised NBA and give a cheque of Rs. 40,000 ($479)." 

"Lok Samiti naively and promptly sent the receipt and the letter, which shows honesty and good record keeping than anything else. But the cheque could not be encashed and got bounced. On enquiry, the bank reported the account does not exist," she added. 

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The court convicted Patkar on May 24 for the offence of criminal defamation under Section 500 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. 

Patkar reacted to the court's order, saying: "The truth can never be defeated...We have not tried to defame anyone, we only do our work...We will challenge the court's judgement." 

(With inputs from agencies)