Popularly known as the “Iron Lady”, Sharmila had earlier said her's was a non-violent protest. She has been on fast since 2000.
She had rejected the charge that she had attempted suicide in 2006 and had 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 framing charges, the court had said, “It is alleged against you (Sharmila)...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.”
