Irom Sharmila Chanu, who has been on fast for over 12 years demanding repeal of the controversial AFSPA, was today put on trial for allegedly attempting suicide during her fast until death here in 2006 after she refused to plead guilty in a Delhi court.
Metropolitan Magistrate (MM) Akash Jain framed charges under section 309 (attempting to commit suicide) of the IPC against 40-year-old Chanu who came to the court with her nose tube in place, a day after flying in from Manipur.
If convicted, Chanu, who is out on bail in this case, faces a maximum jail term of one year.
Popularly known as the "Iron lady" as she had become the rallying point for those demanding repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), Chanu said her's was a non-violent protest. She has been on fast since 2000.
Rejecting the charge that she had attempted suicide over six years back, she told the court, "I do not want to commit suicide. Mine is only a non-violent protest. It is my demand to live as a human being. I love life. I do not want to take my life but I want justice and peace".
While the process of framing of charge was underway, hundreds of her supporters shouted slogans outside the gate of Patiala House Courts complex here. "Repeal AFSPA, we are with you," the supporters carrying placards shouted in unison.
The court said, "It is alleged against you Irom Sharmila Chanu...That you on October 4, 2006 at about 8 pm sat at Jantar Mantar on fast unto death uptil 11.30 pm on October 6, 2006 and refused to get your medical check up and thereby committed an act with an intention or knowledge that under such circumstances that death may be caused and thereby committed an offence under section 309 of IPC and within the cognizance of this court."
The magistrate told her, "I respect you but the law of the land does not permit you to take your life."
The court fixed the next hearing for May 22 for recording of prosecution evidence.
During the hearing, Chanu's lawyer Svetlana said that she has been on bail in the case and has appeared before the court in pursuance to the production warrant issued against her.
