New Delhi, March 6
The Supreme Court today sentenced Booker Prize winner Arundhati Roy to a one-day symbolic imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 2,000 after convicting her on the charges of contempt of court.

Reinforcing the supremacy of the law, the judges observed that Ms Roy had scandalised and lowered the dignity of the court. Pronouncing the judgement, the Bench pointed out that as a democracy, the Constitution and the rule of law governed the country. And no one will be permitted to go against the rule of law and provisions of the Constitution,” it said.

Ms Roy, who was taken to Tihar Jail shortly after the judgement was delivered, said: “The judgement proves what I had said in my affidavit.” Talking to newspersons, she said the judgement was “undemocratic”. “I stand by what I said and am prepared to suffer the consequences,” she added.

She pointed out that she had not taken a decision about the payment of the fine amount of Rs 2,000.

However the court said in case of the non-payment of fine, she would have to undergo three months’ imprisonment. The bench comprised Mr Justice G.B. Pattanaik and Mr Justice R.P. Sethi.

Contempt charges issued against Narmada Bachao Andolan leader Medha Patkar and advocate Prashant Bhushan were dropped after they filed their apology. Activists of the Narmada Bachao Andolan raised slogans on hearing the judgement. They were later detained.