Monday, July 9, 2018

‘Intention to commit suicide not punishable’

Vasanth.Kumar@timesgroup.com  09.07.2018

Expressing intent to commit suicide is not a crime but attempting it is, the Karnataka high court has observed. The observation comes in the backdrop of instances of cops booking cases under Section 309 of IPC against those who have reportedly spoken about ending their life or made preparations for it.

The HC maintained that only those who attempt suicide but are unsuccessful can be booked.

“Any preparation or mere intention to commit suicide is not punishable under IPC section 309 ,” Justice K N Phaneendra observed. He quashed proceedings pertaining to S Kaviraj, from Chitradurga. Kaviraj left his house on the night of October 24, 2016 with an intention to commit suicide after being reportedly harassed by police. He confided in a friend about it.

The next day, his father Shankar took the death note, allegedly written by his son, to the police station, levelling charges against DSP Arun Ranga Rajan and warned of dire consequences if something happened to his son. Kaviraj was later traced to a lodge in Tumakuru. Subsequently, Kaviraj was booked for attempting suicide and his father for threatening officials.

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