Production warrant issued against Irom

NEW DELHI: A trial court has issued a production warrant for May 28 against rights activist Irom Sharmila in connection with a case lodged against her for allegedly attempting suicide during her fast-unto-death in the capital in 2006.

The Manipuri activist, who has been on fast for over 12 years now against the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in her home state, had failed to turn up before the court on January 30.

The court is scheduled to record statement of prosecution witnesses in the case. On March 4, 2013, the court had put Sharmila on trial after she had refused to plead guilty for the offence of attempting to commit suicide (Section 309).

If convicted, Sharmila - who is out on bail in this case - faces a maximum jail term of one year. Popularly known as the 'Iron Lady', Sharmila has been on fast since 2000. She had earlier told the court that her protest was non-violent and had also rejected the charge of attempting suicide in 2006.

toireporter@timesgroup.com