Can Suicide Attempt Not to Be a Crime?

New Delhi: The Centre government has sought the opinion of the states on decriminalization of attempt to commit suicide. In response to a public interest litigation, the Union government has told the Delhi high court that it's awaiting the responds from the state governments on removal of section 309 of the Indian Penal Code which prescribes punishment for those who attempt suicide. The Additional Solicitor General (ASG) AS Chandhiok told the division bench that if any amendments are to be made, the government would make them constitutionally. The developments took place as the court was hearing a PIL filed by an NGO, Mental Health Foundation, which argues for the realization of the 2008 Law Commission report. The report recommends that people who attempt suicide should be treated sympathetically and not to be punished. The report termed the section 309 harsh and unjustified and said demanded it to be removed. The current provisions in the penal code prescribe a maximum jail term of one year to anyone attempting to commit suicide. However, the high court directed the government to submit a detailed response on the issue by December 7.