The Supreme Court of India has clarified that declining to marry cannot be construed as abetment of suicide, emphasizing the need to differentiate personal decisions from criminal intent in such cases.
Background:
The judgment arose from a case where an individual committed suicide following the refusal of a marriage proposal. The deceased’s family alleged that the refusal amounted to abetment, leading to legal proceedings against the accused.
Court’s Rationale:
The Supreme Court observed that personal choices, including the decision not to marry, are fundamental rights and cannot inherently be deemed criminal acts. For abetment of suicide, there must be evidence of intentional instigation or coercion, which was absent in this case.
Existing Measures:
Indian law under Section 306 of the Indian Penal Code deals with abetment of suicide, requiring proof of a direct link between the accused’s actions and the suicide. The courts have consistently held that mere emotional distress or rejection does not meet the criteria for abetment.
Conclusion:
The ruling underscores the importance of protecting individual autonomy while ensuring that legal definitions of abetment are applied judiciously. This decision provides clarity in balancing personal rights with legal accountability.