August 12, 2014

Should "Attempt to commit suicide" be continued to be treated as a crime? Must survivor had to undergo trial and punishment? Six Reasons

1) To take someone's life is a crime. Suicide takes a life. So it is crime.

2) An attempt to commit crime, is made punishable for some crimes. Indian Penal Code has specific section which says that "Attempt to Commit Suicide" is crime.

3) If any person helps someone to commit a crime, he is also guilty. So if someone facilitates suicide of someone, he commits a crime.

4) Supreme Court two Judges Bench, headed by Late Justice R.M.Sahay held that provision in IPC to punish a person who has attempted suicide, is bad and law is struck down because, an attempt to commit suicide is actually a cry for help by an individual.

The above judgement was reversed by three judge bench of Supreme Court, because several problem arose in punishing abetment of suicide.

5) Now neuroscience is more advanced. Attempt to suicide and thoughts to commit suicide are treated as brain chemical problems which can be treated.

As soon as person begin's to think "How to" commit suicide, it is a warning signal. Immediate psychiatric help needed to restore chemical balance.

6) Law needs to change with time, needs to change as early as possible. Here, Help is needed. Not trial and punishment.

Haresh Raichura
12/8/2014