Court defers hearing in case against Irom Sharmila

New Delhi: A Delhi court on Monday posted for June 5 the hearing in a case against Manipur activist Irom Sharmila for attempting suicide during her fast-unto-death here in 2006.

Metropolitan Magistrate Akash Jain, who was scheduled to record the statements of prosecution witnesses in the case on Monday, deferred the matter as Sharmila did not appear before the court.

Sharmila has been on a fast for about 12 years, demanding the repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).

The court on March 4, 2013, framed charges against Sharmila -- popularly known as "Iron Lady" -- for attempting to commit suicide, and put her on trial after she refused to plead guilty.

However, Sharmila denied she attempted suicide while fasting at Jantar Mantar here.