IMPHAL,May 13 � The Charge sheet hearing of Human Rights Defender Irom Chanu Sharmila began today at the court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Imphal East.
Earlier, for the hearing, Sharmila arrived at the court complex with full security around 11.15 am.The hearing started around 11.30 am. Assistant Public Prosecutor Th Kunjabihari tabled the charge of Sharmila under section 309 of IPC � attempt to commit suicide.
Sharmila's counsel Advocate Khaidem Mani submitted that his client is not attempting suicide but demanding the right to life with a dignity. He prayed that the arrest of Sharmila every year in the same matter is against Article 20 (2) of the Indian Constitution.
After the hearing, Magistrate A Noutuneshwari fixed the next hearing on May 21 at the same court complex.
Speaking to the media after coming out from the court room Sharmila rejected the charge leveled against her. She said she is happy to know that the matter before the court now, hoping that justice will be delivered.
Sharmila is in the judicial custody under the FIR Case No. 55 (3) 2014 Porompat Police Station under section 309 IPC.
It may be recalled that Sharmila launched her fast unto death agitation demanding repeal of AFSPA since November 2000 after the troops of 8 Assam Rifles gunned down 10 innocent lives at Malom near Imphal on November 2,2000.
In another development, the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Imphal East Court today permitted Sharmila to appear before the court of Metropolitan Magistrate, Room No. 20 B, Patiala House Courts, New Delhi.
Sources from the Jail Office said that Sharmila will leave Manipur on May 27 and will be back to Imphal on May 29.
The Government of Manipur has sanctioned the required fund for her travel to Dehi along with one doctor, two nurses, two police officers and two jail staff.
Irom Sharmila will have to appear before the Delhi Court in connection with her agitation against AFSPA at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi on October 6,2006.
