The government’s decision to repeal Section 309 of the IPC is a step in the right direction (“ >Government to decriminalise attempted suicide ,” Dec. 11). Suicides by youngsters at the slightest provocation have become commonplace. One’s self-destruction is generally attributed to depression and serious illness. Meting punishment to a person who has already chosen to die is cruel. Everyone of course knows suicide is not a solution to any problem.
K.S. Thampi,
Chennai
In certain medical conditions it is acceptable to treat the right to die on a par with the right to life but such acceptance in totality might come with a price. It is not uncommon where a person may decide to end his/her life on the spur of the moment. When we thrive on the principle of “people are assets”, there is nothing wrong in keeping a penalty in place which can act as a deterrent to irrational and regrettable decisions.
Niyati Sharma,
Pilani
A unilateral view is not justified here if the person who attempts suicide is a sole breadwinner. The issue of his dependant/s become/s important. It is well-established that nobody wants himself dead, but that does not mean we can soften the law. The government should come up with an anonymous helpline, a grievance redress system and counselling mechanisms.
Tanaka D. Anand,
Mysuru
Decriminalising attempted suicide will rake up a new controversy of legal sanction for euthanasia, and with grave repercussions. It will become difficult to deal with suicide threats. Threats of fast-unto-death in support of demands will tend to rise, creating law and order problems. In establishing evidence, without Section 309 IPC, invoking Section 306 (abetment of suicide) will become a daunting task.
K.A.R. Reddy,
Nellore
