It is most welcome that the government has at last decided to repeal Section 309 of the IPC. In most cases, attempt to suicide is purely a personal matter related to one’s problems, issues relating to finance, family and profession, which often create instability in the individual as well as his family. Any person attempting suicide must be given psychiatric and family counselling and not be dealt with as a criminal.
J.P. Reddy,
Nalgonda, Telangana
Suicide is a social shame in a civilised society. In a democratic society like India, where the state has great influence on the life of its subjects, the state is undoubtedly a contributor to a citizen’s decision to end his life. A system that punishes suicide attempts covers its own failures by penalising an over-emotional and frustrated individual. Quoting Article 21 of the Constitution and the Supreme Court in Rathinam vs State of Punjab , the state should ensure that a citizen is enabled to lead a decent life.
The decision to repeal Section 309 should not be treated as a licence to die, but as an opportunity for the system, society and everyone around to help support and care for those in distress; the social responsibility to prevent suicides and protect our fellow-beings has only increased over time. At the same time, steps must be taken to ensure that this does not promote suicide-bombers, hunger strikes or any other sort of protests that seek to exert unreasonable pressure on the state to be flexible on demands. Even if Section 309 is diluted, the state must see to it that there is ample legislation and procedures to report all sorts of suicide attempts. Social and educational institutions must promote the message of living a good, healthy and happy life.
Aswathi Narayan,
Thiruvananthapuram
