Medha Patkar, the face of the Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA), recently faced a setback in court as a Delhi magistrate found her guilty of criminal defamation in a case filed by V K Saxena, the current lieutenant governor of Delhi.
This legal tussle dates back to 2000 when Patkar took legal action against Saxena for running advertisements against her and the NBA. Saxena, who was then heading the National Council for Civil Liberties (NCCL), retaliated by filing defamation cases against Patkar, alleging derogatory remarks on a TV channel and a defamatory press statement.
The courtroom drama continued as two FIRs were lodged in Ahmedabad against Patkar and others, including Saxena, for various offences including unlawful assembly, rioting, and criminal intimidation.
Although one FIR was withdrawn by the government, the legal battle raged on, focusing on the second FIR filed by Patkar. Even V M Pargi, a police official involved in the incident, faced scrutiny and received a government advisory for his actions.
The incident that ignited this legal firestorm occurred in April 2002, following the post-Godhra communal riots in Gujarat. Patkar, along with other activists, was allegedly assaulted during peace meetings at Sabarmati Ashram.
Police intervention was necessary to prevent further violence, as the situation was volatile, with injuries sustained by journalists and civilians alike.
Eyewitnesses recall the brutality of the assault, with Patkar being a primary target. The clash at the Ashram underscored the deep-seated animosity against her, fueled by controversies surrounding the Narmada dam projects. Despite efforts to maintain peace, the presence of Patkar escalated tensions, leading to a violent confrontation.
Legal proceedings dragged on for years, with both sides entrenched in their positions. The NCCL, under Saxena's leadership, vehemently opposed Patkar's activism, leading to a protracted legal battle marked by defamation suits and counter-allegations. Attempts at reconciliation through out-of-court settlements failed, reflecting the entrenched hostility between the two parties.
The bitter relationship between Medha Patkar and V K Saxena has taken a new turn with her conviction in the defamation case. The twenty-year legal drama sheds light on the difficulties activists like Patkar encounter when pursuing social justice in the face of strong opposition.
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