Irom Sharmila was put on trial on March 4, 2013, for allegedly trying to commit suicide while undertaking fast-unto-death at Jantar Mantar on October 4, 2006. (File photo)
Manipuri rights activist Irom Sharmila was today acquitted by a Delhi court in a case of allegedly trying to commit suicide while undertaking fast-unto-death at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi in 2006 demanding scrapping of AFSPA.
After the judgement was passed, 42-year-old Sharmila who has been on fast for the last 16 years in Manipur demanding repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Acts (AFSPA), said her struggle would continue till AFSPA is revoked.
"The accused is acquitted in the case," Metropolitan Magistrate Harvinder Singh said while pronouncing the order. Talking to scribes outside the courtroom, Ms Sharmila said, "My struggle will continue till the time AFPSA is repealed. It does not matter whether I am released from the jail or not."
The court asked her to furnish a personal bond of Rs 10,000. However, she refused to furnish the bond saying, "I am following the path of Mahatma Gandhi."
Her counsel VK Ohri tried to persuade her outside the courtroom to make her understand the purpose and importance of furnishing personal bond.
She, however, replied, "I am not convinced."
After the court was informed about it by the counsel, the magistrate said that personal bond furnished by her when she was granted bail in this case is extended by six months.
"Since she is in judicial custody in some other cases and her presence could be secured before the appellate court, in case the present order is challenged, and that she was earlier granted bail in the present matter, the personal bond furnished at that time is extended for six months," the court said.
When Ms Sharmila left the court premises, a number of people accompanying her, raised slogans in her support and demanded repeal of AFPSA.
Ms Sharmila was put on trial on March 4, 2013, for allegedly trying to commit suicide while undertaking fast-unto-death at Jantar Mantar on October 4, 2006.
She had earlier told the court that she was ready to end her fast if the controversial AFSPA was repealed.
Ms Sharmila, who is fed through nasal tube, was put on trial after she refused to plead guilty to the charge of attempting to commit suicide (section 309 of IPC).
During final arguments yesterday, the police had contended that Ms Sharmila had the intention to kill herself and offence of trying to commit suicide was clearly made out against her.
Known as the 'Iron Lady', Ms Sharmila had earlier told the court that her protest was non-violent.