The Supreme Court on Friday said a broken relationship that causes emotional pain does not automatically constitute abetment if there is no intention to abet suicide. A bench of Justices Pankaj Mithal and Ujjwal Bhuiyan made this comment in a ruling.
What’s going on?
The Supreme Court has overturned the Karnataka High Court’s conviction of Kamaruddin Dastagir Sanadi for cheating and abetting suicide under the Indian Penal Code (IPC). “This was a case of breakdown of relationship and not a crime,” the verdict said. Sanadi was initially charged under IPC sections 417 (cheating), 306 (abetment to suicide) and 376 (rape). The trial court acquitted him, while the Karnataka High Court, following an appeal by the state government, found him guilty of cheating and abetting suicide and sentenced him to five years in jail. The court also fined him Rs 25,000.
Girl commits suicide after 8 years of relationship
Based on the mother’s request, the FIR stated that her 21-year-old daughter was in love with the accused for the past eight years and committed suicide in August 2007 after the accused refused to fulfill their promise of marriage. Justice Mittal wrote a 17-page judgment on behalf of the bench. The judge analyzed two statements given by the woman before her death and said there was neither an allegation of a physical relationship nor any intentional behavior leading to suicide. The judgment therefore emphasizes that a broken relationship can cause mental distress but does not automatically constitute a criminal offence.
What decision did the Supreme Court make?
The Supreme Court said, “Even in cases where the victim commits suicide due to abuse, the courts have always held that discord and disagreements in family life are quite common in society and the extent to which such crime is committed depends on the conduct of the person concerned. “The court also said, “Admittedly, it is impossible to convict the accused under Section 306 of the ICC unless he had criminal intent. “There is no evidence that the accused incited the woman to commit suicide.” The court emphasized that refusal to marry even after a long-term relationship does not constitute abetment.
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