June 4 verdict date set in Irom Sharmila case
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 24 2014 : With the case hearing on charge of attempt to commit suicide levelled against Irom Chanu Sharmila coming to a close today, the Court has fixed June 4 as the date for pronouncement of its final verdict.

The anti-AFSPA campaigner appeared before the Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Imphal East, A Noutuneshwori in connection with the case today.

After perusing the arguments of State Prosecutor Th Kunjabihari and defense counsel Khaidem Mani, the Court fixed June 4 as the date for pronouncement of its verdict.

Interacting briefly with The Sangai Express before she entered the courtroom for the hearing, Sharmila rejected police allegations saying that she never attempted to commit suicide.

She has been simply staging agitation with a determination not to eat or drink anything until draconian AFSPA is repealed, Sharmila said.

June 4 verdict date set in Irom Sharmila case

Following framing of a chargesheet by the police on 'attempt commit to suicide' against Irom Chanu Sharmila, the Court of CJM Imphal East has been conducting hearing from May 13 .

Khaidem Mani said that Sharmila's agitation is not a suicide attempt but a movement demanding fulfillment of Right to Life mentioned in the Article 21 of the Constitution of India.

Apart from demanding repeal of AFSPA, her agitation also aspires for fulfilling dignity of life and stands against suppression and oppression, Khaidem Mani said.

Rejecting the charge of 'attempting suicide', he said Sharmila has been simply staging agitation without eating or drinking anything.

Referring to a Supreme Court judgment in 1994, Khaidem Mani said that the apex Court had observed that persons who survive suicide attempts must not be prosecuted as no legal action can be initiated against those who actually kill themselves.

The judgment said that if a man, who survives suicide attempt, is prosecuted, another burden would be added to his already dispirited life.

Sharmila could have killed herself easily if she really had the intention to do it, Khaidem Mani said and added that she never did it testifying that her agitation is not an attempt to commit suicide but a movement being carried out without eating or drinking anything.

The Court summoned Central Jail SP in today's hearing as he failed to submit Sharmila's medical status report as sought on May 21 .

Speaking to reporters after the hearing, Sharmila said that she does not have any personal plan to meet Prime Minister designate Narendra Modi.

Responding to a question regarding JD (U)'s proposal to arrange a meeting with her and Narendra Modi, Sharmila simply said, "Very good" .

Answering another question on her health, Sharmila said, "My health is good" .