Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 09:
Stating that Irom Sharmila Chanu has completed her detention period, which has crossed two years, the Chief Judicial Magistrate; Imphal today issued an order releasing her but was promptly refused by the 32 year old hunger striker.
In his order the CJM M Padmeswor Singh stated 'The accused has been in jail for about two years which is in excess of the period of imprisonment prescribed for the offence under Section 309 IPC (attempt to suicide)�.
Highlighting that punishment for the offence is imprisonment for a period of one year, the CJM continued "I am of the opinion that this Court has no power to remand the accused further to judicial custody and that the accused shall be discharged from the case".
The period in judicial custody (security ward of JN Hospital) was equated with the prescribed term of sentence she is liable to undergo for the offence, the CJM said in his release order.
Unfazed by the Court ruling, Sharmila, who hails from Kongpal Kongkham Leikai in Imphal East district vowed to continue her indefinite agitation till AFSPA is completely withdrawn from the State.
She began her agitation demanding revocation of the Act since November 4.2000 after ten civilians were mowed down by Assam Rifles troopers in retaliation of an underground attack two days earlier the same year at Malom.
On two earlier occasions, the Court had ordered for her release but she continued fasting the very next day of her release by police.