Medha Patkar Arrested and Released in 2001 Defamation Case

On April 25, 2025, Delhi Police arrested social activist Medha Patkar following a non-bailable warrant issued by a sessions court.

The warrant stemmed from her failure to furnish probation bonds and pay a ₹1 lakh fine, conditions set after her conviction in a 2001 defamation case filed by Delhi Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena.

The case originated from a press release Patkar issued in 2000, alleging Saxena's involvement in hawala transactions. Initially sentenced to five months in jail, Patkar was granted probation on April 8, 2025.

After her arrest, she was presented before the court, which ordered her release upon furnishing the required bond and paying the fine.

The Delhi High Court will hear the matter next on May 20.