In a recent judgment, the Delhi High Court made a significant observation regarding the accountability of individuals in cases of suicide due to relationship issues. The court stated that a woman cannot be held responsible for abetting the suicide of a man if he takes his own life because of “love failure.”
The ruling came as the court granted pre-arrest bail to two individuals accused in an abetment of suicide case. Justice Amit Mahajan emphasized that another person cannot be blamed for the actions of an individual with a “weak and frail mentality.”
The case involved a complaint by the deceased man’s father, alleging that the two accused, a woman, and her friend, had instigated the deceased to commit suicide. The complaint stated that the deceased had been in a romantic relationship with the woman, and the accused had allegedly misled him about their relationship status and future plans.
While the suicide note did mention the names of the accused, the court noted that the threats mentioned were not of such a nature as to drive a “normal person” to suicide. The court also highlighted that the deceased had a history of threatening suicide whenever the woman refused to engage with him.
Based on the evidence presented, including WhatsApp chats, the court granted anticipatory bail to the accused individuals. It emphasized that custodial interrogation was not necessary for the investigation and directed the accused to cooperate with the probe.
The court’s decision underscores the nuanced approach required in cases involving allegations of abetment of suicide, particularly concerning the complexities of personal relationships and mental health issues.
The State has the option to seek the cancellation of bail if the accused fail to comply with the conditions set by the court. This ruling sets a precedent regarding the legal responsibilities in cases where suicide is linked to relationship dynamics and emotional distress.
Sources By Agencies