In Brief
The State of Madhya Pradesh challenged the High Court's order discharging the respondent of charges under Section 306 IPC (abetment of suicide) and Section 3(2)(V) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. A woman belonging to a Scheduled Caste committed suicide after the accused obtained a fraudulent loan in her name, caused her termination from employment, and her eviction from her residence, subjecting her to sustained pressure. The Supreme Court held that at the charge-framing stage, the court must determine if sufficient ground exists to presume guilt, not proof of guilt. The material on record—dying declaration, multiple complaints, fraudulent conduct—established prima facie abetment. The Court set aside the High Court's order and allowed the appeal, reinstating the charges for trial."
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.