Marital quarrels can't be termed as abetment to suicide: HC
What's the story
The Allahabad High Court has ruled that marital discord and domestic disputes cannot be considered as abetment to suicide. The ruling came in a case involving defendants Rachna Devi and her parents from Auraiya district, Uttar Pradesh. A single-judge bench of Justice Sameer Jain allowed their criminal revision petition against an order of the Sessions Judge of Auraiya.
Incident details
What is the case about?
The case dates back to November 14, 2022, when an FIR was registered under Section 306 (abetment to suicide) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The victim had been married to Rachna Devi for around seven years and died by suicide on November 13, 2022. The FIR alleged continuous harassment and humiliation by his wife and in-laws.
Pre-suicide dispute
'Should die' statement made during a quarel
The complaint also mentioned an incident on November 8, 2022, when Rachna Devi's parents visited her matrimonial home. During a quarrel, they allegedly told their son-in-law, "he should die." The victim's father lodged the FIR after his son's death. Rachna Devi had previously filed a case against her husband under IPC sections related to dowry.
Legal interpretation
HC's ruling on marital disputes
The Allahabad HC ruled that marital quarrels are common and do not amount to abetment of suicide. The court clarified that even if one spouse or family member says "he/she should die," it doesn't constitute an offense under Section 306 IPC. Justice Jain noted that intention to abet suicide is crucial for a conviction under this section.
Evidence review
Court cites Supreme Court judgments
The High Court observed that the trial court dismissed the discharge application without a proper analysis of the evidence. The court said witness statements didn't show clear instigation or intentional aid. Citing Supreme Court judgments, Justice Jain reiterated that mere harassment or casual words in a quarrel can't be stretched into criminal abetment unless they leave the victim with no option but suicide.