Social activist Medha Patkar has appealed to the sessions court to contest the verdict in a defamation case filed against her following a complaint from VK Saxena, the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi.

She was granted one month's bail to challenge the trial court's judgment, with her appeal scheduled to be heard by Judge Vishal Singh on Monday.

On July 1, Delhi's Saket Court issued its order, noting that given her age, health condition, and the circumstances, a five-month jail sentence was not considered overly harsh.

The court stated that her request for release on probation of good conduct was denied, noting that she failed to present any evidence in her defense.

Advocate Gajinder Kumar, representing VK Saxena, submitted that they do not seek any compensation and will instead donate it to the Delhi Legal Services Authority (DLSA). The court clarified that compensation would be awarded to the complainant, who may then dispose of it as desired.

"The truth can never be defeated. We are working for tribes and Dalits. We will challenge the order at the higher court," Medha Patkar said after the court order.

Medha Patkar was convicted of defaming VK Saxena on May 24. Following the arguments regarding her sentence, the court reserved its order for May 30.

Earlier, Saxena's counsel requested the court to impose the maximum punishment on Medha Patkar. Conversely, Patkar's counsel pleaded for her release on probation of good conduct, citing her age as a mitigating factor.

Medha Patkar was convicted in a defamation case filed by VK Saxena in 2001.