Social Roots And Legal Perspective Of Suicidal Laws In India

Dr. Sajan G. Patil, Asstt. i/c. Principal - Rizvi Law College, Bandra (w), Mumbai

ABSTRACT

The Indian Penal Code (IPC) serves as the official criminal code in India, delineating offenses along with their respective punishments. It functions to penalize individuals who pose threats capable of impacting Indian society on a larger scale. Criminal acts are generally categorized into four stages: the first involves the intention to commit a crime, followed by preparation, attempt, and finally, the accomplishment stage where the crime is committed. Legal consequences, however, are applicable only to the last two stages, where an individual attempts or successfully executes a crime.

This comprehensive Research and Analysis paper delves into the specific offense of attempting to commit suicide, falling under the third stage of the aforementioned categorization. Section 309 of the IPC pertains to the punishment for this offense. The primary objective of this research is to thoroughly examine and analyze the laws surrounding suicide, exploring their legislative frameworks and judicial interpretations. Additionally, the paper endeavors to draw a succinct comparison between suicide laws in India and those in various foreign nations. A critical aspect of the research involves investigating the social factors contributing to the rising number of suicide cases in India. Through this multifaceted exploration, the paper aims to offer valuable insights into the legal, social, and comparative dimensions of suicide laws, fostering a comprehensive understanding of this critical issue.