The Supreme Court of India has underscored the need for cautious application of Section 306 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which pertains to abetment of suicide. Delivering their observations on Friday, a Bench comprising Justices Abhay S. Oka and KV Viswanathan stressed that this provision should not be used indiscriminately to charge individuals. They emphasized the importance of thorough scrutiny in such sensitive cases to avoid misuse of the law.
The judges noted that invoking Section 306 should not be a means to simply appease grieving families without substantial evidence or legal justification. They called for law enforcement agencies to adopt a nuanced approach, ensuring the accused’s rights are protected and not compromised by premature or unjustified allegations.
The Court highlighted that the burden of proof in cases of abetment of suicide is exceptionally high, requiring rigorous evidentiary support. They cautioned against invoking the provision merely to address the emotions of bereaved families, urging an understanding of the practical realities of life.
Furthermore, the Court directed trial courts to carefully evaluate the facts and evidence before framing charges under Section 306. The Bench also emphasized the need to educate investigating agencies about the legal standards and judgments related to this provision, to prevent undue harassment of the accused.
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