The Hindu : National : Rights activist Irom Sharmila gets bail

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Saturday, May 12, 2007
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Rights activist Irom Sharmila gets bail

Staff Reporter

— Photo: PTI

BATTLE CONTINUES: Irom Chanu Sharmila coming out of the Patiala House Court in New Delhi on Friday.

NEW DELHI: A Delhi court on Friday granted bail to human rights activist Irom Chanu Sharmila, who has been on a fast-unto-death for over six years demanding repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act.

She is facing prosecution for allegedly attempting to commit suicide.

Hearing Ms. Sharmila in her chambers, Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Kamini Lau granted bail on her furnishing a personal bond of Rs. 10,000.

Counsel for Ms. Sharmila asked the court for a later date for hearing, as it was not easy to bring her to Delhi from Manipur frequently. The court then fixed September 28 as the next date of hearing.

Not under purview

Ms. Sharmila, through her counsel, also pleaded with the court to transfer the case to Imphal. The court, however, said this was not under its purview and the petitioner should instead approach the Supreme Court.

Her counsel alleged that the Delhi police had illegally detained her in October last and had not produced her before a magistrate within 24 hours. They also alleged that the police had illegally confined her thereafter.

The court then asked the public prosecutor to respond to the allegations. The public prosecutor sought time following which the court asked them to file the reply on the next date.

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