In Brief
A State appealed the discharge of three accused persons charged with abetting the suicide of a young woman under Section 306 IPC. The victim, an English student, had developed a relationship with her teacher (the first accused) and visited his house to discuss marriage. His parents called her a 'call-girl' and refused to accept her. The victim returned home, became distressed, and committed suicide the next day. The Supreme Court dismissed the appeal, holding that mere insulting utterances, however offensive, do not constitute instigation to suicide unless the accused's conduct left the victim with no option but to die. One isolated incident without goading or solicitation was insufficient to frame charges for abetment.
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.