In Brief
A man and woman married for 25 years both consumed pesticide following a quarrel; she died, he survived. The trial court convicted him under Section 306 IPC (abetment of suicide) for 7 years, reduced to 3 years on appeal. The Supreme Court allowed his appeal, holding that mere quarrels do not constitute abetment of suicide. The evidence showed no positive instigation or active role by the accused in facilitating the suicide. The fact that he too attempted suicide undermined any inference of abetment. The conviction was quashed.
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