A Delhi court on Saturday fixed August 11 for recording of statement of Manipur-based rights activist Irom Sharmila, who is facing trial for allegedly trying to commit suicide during her fast-unto-death at Jantar Mantar here in 2006.
Metropolitan Magistrate Akash Jain posted the matter for recording of her statement under Section 313 of the CrPC after completion of recording of prosecution witnesses in the case. The court closed the prosecution evidence after two doctors failed to appear before it for recording their testimony despite summons.
“The accused is lodged in Manipur jail in some other case and huge expenditure is incurred to the State exchequer to present her before the court here,” the court said. Meanwhile, the court recorded the statement of prosecution witness Vijay, who had videographed the place where she was observing the hunger strike. He told the court that the video placed on record was original. The 42-year-old has been on fast for over 14 years demanding repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in Manipur. She was present in court during the hearing.
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If convicted, Ms. Sharmila, who is out on bail in this case, faces a maximum jail term of one year. Popularly known as the ‘Iron Lady’, she is fed through a nasal tube. —PTI
The court had in 2013 put Sharmila on trial after she refused to plead guilty for attempt to suicide