Suicide can be defined as an act or an instance of taking one’s own life voluntarily and intentionally. Everyone deals with tough times, but some people have been dealt a tougher hand when it comes to life circumstances, past trauma, mental and/or physical illness, social standing, and ability to cope with depressive emotions. There are many factors that play a role in influencing whether someone decides to commit suicide. Some of the causes are as follows:
Depression, Psychosis, Impulsiveness, Philosophical Desire to die Social Isolation
Coming back to the core, should suicide be a criminal offense? No, it is cruel to punish a person who has been driven to desperation and has failed in his attempt to end his life. Also, The government has decided to decriminalize “attempt to suicide” by deleting Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code from the statute book. According to the government, someone who tries to commit suicide is going through a lot and is in need of help, but not punishment. The old law had created a “stigma” around attempting suicide that had discouraged people from seeking help because they were afraid the police would come to them. The Ministry of Home Affairs is in the process of effacing section 309 of the Indian Penal Code, as recommended by the Law Commission in its 210th Report along with an amendment of certain other sections of the Code of Criminal Procedure/ Indian Penal Code. The unneeded stigma and shame that a person who is struggling with a mental-health issue faces will now be more comfortable while reaching out. It is a good step to bringing a new nation and understanding human behaviour, as we start to recognize psychological disorders and mental health problems.
By Shipra Srivastav
B.A., LL.B.(H)
Amity University