DINDIGUL (TN), July 22 - A local social activist has filed an objection to the proposed marriage of human rights campaigner Irom Sharmila with her long-time partner at the office of the Sub-Registrar in Kodaikanal.
The activist, V Mahendran, from Pethuparai near Kodaikanal filed a petition in the office against Sharmila�s proposed marriage with Desmond Coutinho, a British national.
He contended that if the couple was granted permission, they would settle in Kodaikanal permanently and this was not good for the interests of local residents and safety of the place.
In his plea filed with the Sub-Registrar at Kodaikanal, he said Coutinho was in charge of a website, engaged in activities around the world, and their stay here would affect peace in the hill station.
The Sub-Registrar had called for objections under the Special Marriage Act between Sharmila and the British national as they belonged to different nations and different religions.
Sharmila had moved to this hill town with Coutinho following her defeat in the Manipur Assembly elections in March last and her party �People�s Resurgence and Justice Alliance� had suffered a rout.
The 44-year-old shot to fame after she launched her fast-unto-death on November 4, 2000, demanding withdrawal of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 from Manipur. � PTI
