Court to record Irom Sharmila's statement on October 6

NEW DELHI: A Delhi court today fixed October 6 for recording the statement of Manipuri rights activist Irom Sharmila, who is facing trial for allegedly trying to commit suicide while undertaking fast-unto-death at Jantar Mantar here in 2006.

Metropolitan Magistrate Akash Jain, who was scheduled to record Sharmila's statement today, deferred it for the next date as she was not produced before the court by Manipur Police.

The court had on June 6 concluded recording of evidence by the prosecution and posted the matter for recording of Sharmila's statement under section 313 of CrPC.

42-year-old Sharmila is on a fast for over 14 years in Manipur demanding repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA).

Sharmila had earlier told the court that she was very much eager to eat if she got the assurance that the "draconian" act will be revoked.

Widespread discrimination was being done with the people from northeast, she had alleged, adding she never intended to commit suicide and it was just a protest against AFSPA.

The court had on March 4, 2013, put Sharmila on trial after she had refused to plead guilty to the charge of attempting to commit suicide (section 309 of IPC).

If convicted, Sharmila, who is out on bail in this case, faces a maximum jail term of one year. She is in judicial custody in some other case lodged in Manipur.

Popularly known as the 'Iron Lady', Sharmila is fed through a nasal tube. She had earlier told the court that her protest was non-violent.