Irom Sharmila marries boyfriend Desmond Coutinho in Kodaikanal

Irom Sharmila after concluding her 16-year-long hunger strike, settled in Kodaikanal for a peaceful married life, along with Desmond. When she filed her application for marriage, a section of local people protested. The date was later fixed to August 16 but was postponed to Thursday, August 17 after consideration.

Both Irom Sharmila and Desmond reached the sub-registrar office by walking for around 2.5 kilometres from their house which is in Observatory road. They were joined by documentary film maker, Dhivya Bharathi, near Kodaikanal lake and all three reached the sub-registrar office at around 10 am.

After a brief interaction with the media persons, the couple signed the dotted lines in front of sub-registrar, Radhakrishnan, and got their marriage registered under Special Marriage Act. The couple also exchanged rings and garlands.

Very few invited guests who were present outside the office greeted the couple and presented gifts.

Speaking to the press, Irom Sharmila said, "We have waited for seven years to get married. It was a memorable day for us. It's a pleasure that Dhivya Bharathi was present with us today."