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Delhi HC Rejects Medha Patkar’s Plea to Delay Probation Bond Submission

April 22, 2025, 1:51 pm

The Delhi High Court has rejected social activist Medha Patkar’s request to delay furnishing a probation bond. This bond was required after she was sentenced in a defamation case filed by Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena.

HC Asks Patkar to Approach Trial Court

Justice Shalinder Kaur directed Patkar to approach the trial court. The court had earlier ordered her release on probation of good conduct for one year, but made it conditional upon furnishing a bond. The matter is scheduled to be heard in the trial court on Tuesday.

When Patkar’s counsel asked for a delay in executing the order, the High Court refused. Justice Kaur questioned why the plea came at the last moment when the trial court hearing was already scheduled. The judge also pointed out that the appeal court had already sentenced Patkar and asked her to withdraw her existing petition and file a new one.

Legal Dispute Over Defamation Case

Patkar is challenging her conviction in a 2001 defamation case filed by VK Saxena. The case stems from a press note published in 2000. At the time, Saxena was President of the National Council of Civil Liberties (NCCL), a group supporting Gujarat’s Sardar Sarovar Project. Patkar, who led the Narmada Bachao Andolan opposing the project, allegedly made defamatory statements against Saxena.

Saxena denied her claims, which included allegations that he supported and funded her movement. He accused her of spreading false information to damage his reputation.

Court Findings and Sentencing

In July 2024, a magistrate court at Saket convicted Patkar under Section 500 of the Indian Penal Code for defamation. The court sentenced her to five months of simple imprisonment and fined her ₹10 lakh. She was also ordered to pay ₹10 lakh as compensation to Saxena.

Patkar appealed, but the Saket District Court dismissed her appeal in March 2025. It upheld the original ruling, stating that the evidence proved Patkar’s press note was defamatory beyond reasonable doubt.

The court also noted that a news portal’s translation of the press note into Gujarati did not change the defamatory nature of the content. It found that the statements were false and aimed at damaging Saxena’s reputation.

Request for VC Appearance and Further Proceedings

Patkar’s lawyer argued that the sessions judge had no authority to pass the release-on-probation order after delivering the judgment. They requested more time and asked the High Court to allow her to appear through video conferencing. Justice Kaur allowed them to file a separate application for this and listed the matter for May 19. Meanwhile, LG Saxena’s counsel, Advocate Gajinder Kumar, opposed the arguments made by Patkar’s side.

“Constantly Monitoring Operations”: Delhi LG VK Saxena on New Delhi Railway Station Stampede

February 16, 2025, 2:33 am

Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena on Sunday expressed deep grief over the tragic loss of lives and injuries resulting from a stampede at New Delhi Railway Station.

Saxena stated that he is personally overseeing the operations to ensure all necessary support is provided to the affected families.

Sharing his condolences on social media platform X, he wrote, “There has been an unfortunate and tragic incident of loss of lives and injuries due to disorder & stampede at New Delhi Railway Station. My deepest condolences to the families of victims of this tragedy.”

He directed the Chief Secretary and Police Commissioner to take immediate action to manage the situation. The Chief Secretary was instructed to invoke Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) measures and deploy relief personnel at the site.

“Have spoken to Chief Secretary & Police Commissioner and asked them to address and redress the situation. CS has been asked to invoke DDMA measures & deploy relief personnel. All hospitals are in readiness to address related exigencies,” he added.

To ensure timely medical assistance, all hospitals in the vicinity have been put on high alert. Saxena also ordered the Chief Secretary and Police Commissioner to be present at the scene and oversee relief efforts.

“Have instructed CS & CP to be at the site and take control of relief measures. I am constantly monitoring operations,” he said.

The Delhi LG later visited LNJP Hospital, where those injured in the stampede had been admitted.

Speaking to reporters outside the hospital, he assured that “Those injured are receiving treatment at the hospital. Delhi police are at the railway station. Train movements are normal now. The situation is under control…”

The incident occurred on Saturday when a massive rush at New Delhi Railway Station left around 15 people injured. The Delhi Fire Service deployed four fire tenders to the location to assist with the emergency response.

Atishi Accuses BJP of Conspiracy After L-G Sanctions Kejriwal’s Prosecution

August 24, 2024, 4:01 pm

After Delhi Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena sanctioned the prosecution of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in an excise policy case, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Minister Atishi accused the BJP of orchestrating a political conspiracy. Speaking at a press conference, Atishi claimed that the BJP was using the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) as political tools.

Atishi highlighted that Kejriwal was arrested just before the Lok Sabha elections in a case she described as false. She pointed to a sequence of events in June 2024, alleging that the BJP interfered with judicial proceedings. On June 20, Kejriwal was granted bail by a trial court in the ED case. However, Atishi noted that before the court’s order was even uploaded, the ED approached the High Court on June 21 and secured a stay on the bail order. On June 22, Kejriwal moved to the Supreme Court against the stay. Atishi claimed that after the BJP learned Kejriwal was granted bail by the Supreme Court, the CBI arrested him on June 26.

Atishi also mentioned that the CBI, after being given two weeks to file a reply by the Supreme Court, requested additional time, furthering her claims of a political conspiracy. She asserted that despite the BJP’s efforts, the truth would prevail and their plans would ultimately fail.

The central probe agency recently filed a sanction for prosecution in the Rouse Avenue Court, and a supplementary charge sheet against Kejriwal has already been submitted by the CBI. Kejriwal, who was arrested on June 26, remains in judicial custody until August 27, 2024. The court is set to consider the supplementary charge sheet on that date.

Kejriwal’s legal troubles began when he was arrested by the ED on March 21, 2024, in connection with a money laundering investigation related to alleged irregularities in the now-canceled Delhi excise policy for 2021-22.

Delhi LG calls for routine civic inspections after monsoon infrastructure failures

August 19, 2024, 8:16 pm

Delhi LG VK Saxena expressed serious concern on Monday about the collapse of civic infrastructure during the monsoon and called for a structured approach to regular inspections. He directed that an institutionalized mechanism be established, mandating scheduled inspections by senior officers.

In a communication to Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar, the Principal Secretary of Delhi LG outlined new protocols. All Heads of Departments (HODs), Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, and Additional Chief Secretaries are required to create a schedule for field inspections. Inspection reports from these officials should be submitted to the Chief Secretary and copied to the LG Secretariat and the Minister In-charge.

The new guidelines specify that inspections by department Secretaries should occur fortnightly, by HODs weekly, and by Principal Secretaries fortnightly. Additionally, District Magistrates are instructed to engage with Resident Welfare Associations monthly to address and resolve local issues with the relevant departments.

This directive follows a recent incident where heavy rainfall caused flooding in the basement of a coaching institute in Delhi’s Old Rajendra Nagar area. The Delhi High Court responded by ordering officials to visit affected areas and report back with an affidavit detailing the actions taken. The court also required all pertinent files to be presented and the MCD Director to attend the proceedings. Delhi Police has been added as a respondent in the case.

The court has scheduled a follow-up hearing for Friday and expressed frustration with systemic issues contributing to infrastructural failures. It criticized the Delhi Government, MCD, and other civic authorities for the lack of upgrades to outdated infrastructure, despite changes in bylaws. The court emphasized the need to fix accountability for the construction and maintenance failures that led to the recent incident.

Delhi LG Raises Alarm Over CM Kejriwal’s ‘Low-Calorie Intake’ in Jail; AAP Slams Concern as a ‘Joke’

July 20, 2024, 12:00 pm

The Lieutenant Governor’s Office sent a letter to Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar, expressing concern over Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s reported non-compliance with his prescribed diet while in jail on Saturday. According to a report from the prison Superintendent, Kejriwal has not been consuming the full diet prescribed for him, despite receiving adequate home-cooked meals. The report notes that from June 6, 2024, to July 13, 2024, Kejriwal failed to consume his full diet, resulting in a weight loss from 63.5 kg to 61.5 kg, which appears to be due to insufficient calorie intake.

The letter further highlighted the LG’s concern about Kejriwal’s adherence to his medical diet and medications, urging that reasons for these deviations be investigated due to potential medical and legal consequences. The LG also recommended that prison authorities ensure Kejriwal follows his medication and diet strictly, given his Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus. It suggested implementing strict protocols for monitoring his blood sugar levels.

In response, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) questioned the LG’s motives, alleging that there is a genuine threat to Kejriwal’s life. AAP leader Sanjay Singh criticized the LG’s remarks, calling them dangerous and accusing him of lacking understanding of diabetes. Delhi Minister Atishi accused the BJP of plotting to harm Kejriwal and claimed that his low sugar levels, which have dropped below 50 multiple times, could lead to severe health issues such as a brain stroke or coma.

Atishi also accused the BJP of politicizing Kejriwal’s health and demanded that they stop endangering his life. She pointed out that Kejriwal has been diabetic for 30 years and that sudden drops in blood sugar can be fatal.

In related legal news, the Delhi High Court scheduled a hearing for August 7 on the Enforcement Directorate’s plea challenging a trial court’s decision to grant regular bail to Kejriwal in the excise policy money laundering case. Kejriwal’s lawyers requested additional time to file a rejoinder, citing recent Supreme Court interim bail. The Enforcement Directorate argued that the trial court’s bail order should be cancelled due to irrelevant considerations or overlooked evidence.

Delhi Court Reserves Order In Activist Medha Patkar Defamation Case

June 7, 2024, 6:09 pm

Delhi Court has reserved its order on the sentence against activist Medha Patkar in a defamation case lodged by the city’s Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena till July 1 on Friday.

While reserving the order, Metropolitan Magistrate Raghav Sharma had noted, that Delhi Legal Services Authority (DLSA) has given the victim impact report (VIR).

The report is compiled following accused conviction, to evaluate the extent of harm experienced by the victim.

Further, the offence involves a maximum penalty of imprisonment for a period of up to two years, a fine, or both.

Previously on May 24, the court had observed Medha Patkar’s statements like calling VK Saxena a ‘coward’ and alleging his involvement in Hawala transactions not defamatory per se but it indeed generated negative perceptions about him.

Further, it also observed, that the allegation that complainant is ‘mortgaging’ Gujarat resources and its people to foreign interests is indeed a direct attack on his integrity and service.

Later, the arguments on the sentencing were concluded on May 30.

What’s The Case All About?

Since the year 2000, activist Medha Patkar and VK Saxena has embroiled in a legal battle, after she lodged a suit against alleged publishing of advertisement against her and the Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA).

VK Saxena, who that time, was running an Ahmedabad-based NGO called ‘Council for Civil Liberties’ had also lodged two cases against Patkar for allegedly making slanderous remarks against him on TV channel and issuing defamatory press statement.

Swati Maliwal Called Me Out Of Sheer Anguish: Delhi LG Supports AAP MP

May 21, 2024, 5:33 pm

While supporting Swati Maliwal over the sexual assault matter, Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has recently expressed, he was “deeply distressed” by the media narratives concerning this issue.

Issuing a statement from Delhi’s Raj Niwas, Saxena claimed that Maliwal had previously called him to discuss her “traumatic experience” due to “sheer anguish.”

He further disclosed, that during their interaction, Swati maliwal recounted the intimidation and shaming she was subjected to by her own colleagues.

“Yesterday, she called me out of sheer anguish, describing at length her traumatic experience, and the subsequent intimidation and shaming that she is being subjected to by her own colleagues. She also expressed concerns over reported tampering of evidence and coercion against her.” said VK Saxena.

What Happened in the Case So Far

Meanwhile, Swati maliwal has accused Kejriwal’s aide Bibhav Kumar of kicking and slapping her several times in the drawing room of CM’s house.

However, Aam Aadmi party are supporting Bibhav kumar, claiming that Maliwal had barged into the house without any appointment.

Later, AAP also claimed, she is working on BJP’s orders to harm Kejriwal.

Moreover, the party has also released various CCTV clips in relation to this incident. Claiming, that Swati Maliwal is walking normally in the video after the alleged assault.

But today, the Bhartiya Janata Party has recently responded to AAP’s claim, questioning how swati maliwal entered the premises without prior appointment, despite the presence of Z plus security.

Will Kejriwal Face a NIA Probe? AAP’s Saurabh Bharadwaj Calls LG VK Saxena a BJP Agent

May 6, 2024, 11:51 pm

Arvind Kejriwal NIA Probe Row: In response to the proposal for an NIA probe into Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj accused LG VK Saxena of being a BJP agent, claiming his actions were part of a larger conspiracy against Kejriwal.

Bharadwaj stated, “LG is merely a pawn for the BJP. This is another plot against CM Kejriwal orchestrated by them, even before the Punjab Assembly elections.”

The principal secretary to LG VK Saxena wrote to the Ministry of Home Affairs, alleging Kejriwal’s acceptance of political funding from the pro-Khalistan group ‘Sikhs for Justice’ in exchange for the release of 1993 Delhi blast convict Devinder Pal Singh Bhullar.

The letter claimed possession of a video where terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun alleged that the AAP received $16 million between 2014 and 2022. It further alleged Kejriwal’s meeting with pro-Khalistan Sikh leaders in New York, promising Bhullar’s release.

This adds to Kejriwal’s challenges, already facing imprisonment since March over a liquor policy scandal. The Enforcement Directorate accused Kejriwal and other AAP members of accepting kickbacks as donations, prompting the AAP-led Delhi government to revoke the policy following LG VK Saxena’s recommendation for a CBI inquiry.

Meanwhile, AAP leader Manish Sisodia has been in custody since February last year on similar charges, and Sanjay Singh recently obtained bail after over five months in jail.

Delhi School Bomb Threat Mails: LG VK Saxena Inspects DAV School Model Town

May 1, 2024, 1:43 pm

Following bomb threats sent to around 60 schools in Delhi-NCR via email on Wednesday, VK Saxena, the Delhi Lieutenant Governor, visited DAV School in Model Town to inspect the situation. Assuring citizens of safety, he stated that the perpetrators behind the incident would face consequences.

Speaking to ANI, Saxena mentioned, “As soon as the information of bomb threats reached schools, the police were informed. The Delhi police reached immediately and the area was cordoned off, and the search operations are going on. Bomb squads, bomb disposal units are also working here. We are ready in every way.”

He also noted that the police had traced the emails, stating, “The Delhi Police has traced from where the mails are coming. The investigation is going on and the culprits will be punished.”

Assuring citizens further, Saxena added, “I also received the information at around 7:30 am and I had asked the Police Commissioner to pay attention to this matter. I want to assure the citizens of Delhi that Delhi Police is alert and we will try not to let any unfortunate incident happen.”

Additionally, he took to his official X handle to tweet, “Spoke to the Police Commissioner and sought a detailed report into the bomb threats at schools in Delhi-NCR. Directed Delhi Police to carry out a thorough search in school premises, identify the culprits & ensure there are no lapses.”

He further tweeted, “I request the parents not to panic and co-operate with the administration in ensuring safety of schools and the children. The miscreants and culprits will not be spared.”

Meanwhile, Suman Nalwa, Delhi Police PRO, stated that the Delhi Police had conducted thorough investigations at all locations and had not found anything suspicious yet.

Speaking to ANI, Nalwa mentioned, “I don’t have the exact numbers but several schools approached us saying that they received mail regarding the presence of bomb at the premises. When the Delhi Police received the call, the police took each and every call seriously and have conducted thorough research at every place but till now, nothing has been found.”

As a precaution, all schools in Delhi-NCR that received threat emails have been closed, and the children have been sent back home.

Earlier in the day, the police had stated, “In the initial investigation, many schools across Delhi have received emails. The same pattern was followed to send threat mails. The dateline is not mentioned… BCC is mentioned in the e-mail and hence it is clear that one email has been sent to many places.”

They added, “Many schools have received bomb threats. We are investigating all the threats and further probe into the matter is underway.”

Additionally, one of the schools informed parents about the threat via email and outlined precautionary measures taken to handle the situation smoothly.

World Air Quality Report 2023 Sparks Delhi L-G’s Concern

March 20, 2024, 11:27 pm

Following the publication of the 2023 World Air Quality Report, Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena penned a letter to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, urging his attention to the report’s portrayal of the concerning air quality situation in the national capital.

“It raises a red flag over the abnormally high PM 2.5 levels, two-fifths of which is attributable to vehicular emission. I am sure that you are aware that prolonged exposure to particulate matter of this dimension leads to premature deaths in people, triggers lung disease, leads to a host of respiratory diseases,” the Delhi L-G pointed out.

In his letter, L-G Saxena emphasized that there are frequent reports of rising hospital admissions in the city, particularly among children and the elderly, who are experiencing the most severe respiratory issues.

Describing it as a “public health emergency,” the L-G stressed that this violates the fundamental natural right of the people of Delhi.

The L-G also stated that Chief Minister Kejriwal must shoulder responsibility and implement decisive actions and bold measures.

“Your ministers obfuscate the issue by engaging in a farcical exercise of emergency measures, lip service and media byte,” he lashed out.

Citing global examples the L-G said, “The Great Smog of London and the grey skies of Beijing got cleaned up with the determined leadership.”

Addressing the same issue, Delhi’s Environment Minister Gopal Rai said, “The pollution levels in the national capital have been decreasing consistently. From 2015 till 2023, there has been a decrease in levels of PM 10 and PM 2.5. After 2015, last year we had 206 days of better air quality.”

At the same time, the initiative to sprinkle water was implemented in the national capital as a measure to mitigate air pollution.

No problem if anyone sees God, says Delhi LG over Shivling-fountain row

September 2, 2023, 3:43 pm

Amid a controversy over water fountains shaped like Shivling used to decorate Delhi’s Dhaula Kuan area ahead of the G20 meeting, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena declared they are not Shivling but art works manufactured by a Rajasthani artisan.

“But if someone sees shivling in that, if someone sees God in that, there is no problem. India is a unique country and here trees and rivers are prayed to. God is believed to be present in every particle. I don’t think there is any controversy,” the LG said.

The Aam Aadmi Party announced on Friday that it would file a police complaint against Saxena for ‘disrespecting the sensibilities of Hindus’ after the fountains sparked a blame game between the AAP and the BJP in Delhi.

“Shivling was insulted under the leadership of Modi ji and shameless BJP people are praising Modi. The LG of Delhi is looting accolades by disrespecting Shivling. BJP should apologize to the country, take action on LG,” AAP MP Sanjay Singh posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Meanwhile, Delhi minister Saurabh Bharadwaj said what the LG did is a sin. “Remember, this issue was not raised by us, the BJP raised the issue and sought an FIR against Atishi three days ago. But then the BJP came to know that this was done by the LG. So now the BJP is silent now,” Bharadwaj said.

He further added “God will never forgive the LG. He should apologise to the country. Lord Shiv’s place is in the temples. But today he brought Lord Shiv on the road and made fountains.”