Suicide is a serious problem for both emotional and mental health requiring both mental and emotional support from friends and family. There are various factors which could lead a person to the edge where he believes that he has no other option than to commit suicide.
The suicide rates in India have increased exponentially since the pandemic, as people have faced various losses including losing their jobs and were struck at their homes alone for months leading to various psychological and emotional factors which resulted in the feeling of hopelessness, therefore ncreasing the risk of people committing suicide.
Reasons for suicide:-
Various reasons are there which could ultimately compel a person to take his/her life. There could be some life circumstances or mental health issues which may play a vital role in forcing a person to choose death rather than facing the miseries. Some of these reasons could be-
Depression
Bipolar disorder
Psychosis
Hopelessness
Substance use disorder.
Laws in Relation to Suicide in India
Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code provides that, a person who attempts to commit suicide and commits any act towards the commission of suicide shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term extending up to an year.
But an attempt to commit suicide is not a crime as has been provided under Section 309 of the IPC. Article 21 of the Indian Constitution states that only legal means authorised by law may be used to take away someone's life or personal freedom. As can be inferred, Article 21 provides about “right to life” and not about the “right to die”.
Under the British Regime, in the year 1860 IPC was introduced and administered under the British law of that time. The British themselves decriminalised the suicide law in the year 1961, when India kept on observing the times old law. It was in the year 2017, only when on 29th May, a new Mental Health Care Act of 2017 was introduced by the Ministry of Health.
The Act of 2017 provides that notwithstanding anything provided under Section 309 of the IPC, any person attempting to commit suicide must be presumed, unless proved in to have extreme pressure and would not be attempting the suicide again and rebuffed under the said Code”.
Therefore, in accordance with the new law, the Government will offer rehabilitation, care, therapy, and treatment to the person who attempted suicide in order to lessen the likelihood that the same incident will occur again.
Such rehabilitation and treatment will be free in any mental health institution funded by the Government. .
The Act of 2017 recognises the issue of mental health illness and its objective is to try to change the outlook of people on the mental health problems.
The Act of 2017 recognises the rights of a mentally ill person to live in the society and be a part of it and not be segregated from the society.
Conclusion
Around 800,000 people commit suicide worldwide every year, which is near about 20% of total population to India. In the year 2019, a sudden increase of 3.4% was noted in the suicide committed. Various helpline numbers are there in India for self-destructive instincts or a helpline number to discourage you from committing the ultimate step. It would be helpful to you to talk to your family, friends, or the appropriate authorities if you are feeling depressed to the point of considering suicide.
If you are facing legal problems for trying to commit suicide, it is advised that you contact Criminal Lawyer In Delhi or Talk To A Lawyer, who could provide you with immediate assistance.
If you are facing problems in relation to civil or criminal offences, you must seek advice or legal opinion from experienced Criminal Lawyers In Mumbai or your own city.
Lead India offers you a wide pool of experienced lawyers who have been successfully handling cases related to criminal laws, civil laws and family laws as well. Hence, if you wish to talk to a lawyer or seek free legal advice, you may contact us.
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