Abetment Has a Very Subtle Layer: High Court Dismisses Petition Challenging Framing of Charges Under Section 306 IPC

In a crucial ruling , the High Court of Madhya Pradesh, presided over by Hon'ble Shri Justice Anand Pathak, dismissed a revision petition filed by Prabhudayal Sahu and family against the framing of charges under Section 306 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The petitioners had been charged in relation to the suicide of Rachna Sahu, the deceased wife of petitioner No.3, Narendra Sahu.

In the decision, Justice Anand Pathak stressed that "Abetment has a very subtle layer and it does not mean only harassment or physical abuse." He further mentioned that "in a very subtle manner, the victim can be goaded or pressurized to commit suicide."

The case came to light following the tragic suicide of Rachna Sahu on March 13, 2023. The marriage between Rachna Sahu and petitioner No.3, Narendra Sahu, had been solemnized on January 20, 2014. The petitioners had argued that the case was registered based on "omnibus allegations" without the essential elements of abetment as per Section 107 of IPC. They urged the Court to discharge them from the case.

Responding to the petitioners' claims, the State of Madhya Pradesh argued that "innocence of petitioners and nature of evidence against them cannot be appreciated at this stage." The Court held that "At this stage, it is not to be seen whether trial would result in acquittal or not. Only allegations are to be seen to the extent whether the case is made out for trial or not."

Closing his observations, Justice Anand Pathak stated, "Here, at this stage, no specific finding can be given about culpability or involvement of petitioners in specific term." The Court concluded that the petition "lacks merits" and dismissed it.

This judgement serves as an important legal precedent for cases related to abetment of suicide and has attracted widespread attention from legal scholars and practitioners alike.

Date Of Decision: 3 October 2023

PRABHUDAYAL SAHU vs STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH

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