This article has been written by Mr.rishav narwariya , a 3rd year BALLB Student from Svkm’s Nmims indore college
Introduction
Suicide is a tragic and complex phenomenon that has been a subject of study and debate for many years. It is a phenomenon that affects people of all ages, genders, races, and socio-economic backgrounds, and it has profound implications for families, communities, and societies as a whole. Suicide is a leading cause of death worldwide, with millions of people taking their own lives each year.
Legal status of suicide in India
In India, suicide has been a topic of legal debate for many years. The legal status of suicide has been influenced by a number of landmark cases that have helped to shape the way in which suicide is understood and treated within the Indian legal system.
One of the most important cases related to suicide in India is P. Rathinam v. Union of India. In this case, the Supreme Court of India held that the right to life guaranteed by Article 21 of the Indian Constitution includes the right to die. The court also held that individuals have the right to refuse medical treatment and to take their own lives if they so choose. However, the legal status of suicide was later clarified in the case of Gian Kaur v. State of Punjab. In this case, the Supreme Court of India held that suicide is not a fundamental right under the Indian Constitution. The court also held that Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which criminalizes attempted suicide, is constitutional.
The Mental Healthcare Act, 2017
In 2018, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare proposed the Mental Healthcare Act, which decriminalized suicide attempts in India. The act repealed Section 309 of the IPC and stated that a person who attempts suicide should be presumed to have a mental illness unless proven otherwise. The act aims to provide better mental healthcare services to those in need, and it has been lauded as a positive step forward in the way that India approaches suicide prevention.
Suicide prevention efforts in India
Despite the legal changes, suicide remains a significant public health problem in India. The government and various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have taken steps to address the issue of suicide through prevention efforts and intervention strategies.
One such organization is the AASRA Suicide Prevention Helpline. AASRA provides a confidential and anonymous helpline service for individuals who are experiencing emotional distress and who may be at risk of suicide. The organization also conducts awareness campaigns and training programs to raise awareness of the issue of suicide and to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge to identify and respond to those who may be at risk.
The case of Aruna Shanbaug
The case of Aruna Shanbaug is a landmark case related to end-of-life care and euthanasia in India. In 1973, Aruna Shanbaug, a nurse at King Edward Memorial Hospital in Mumbai, was sexually assaulted and strangled by a hospital staff member. The assault left her in a vegetative state, and she remained in that state for over 40 years until her death in 2015. During that time, a legal battle ensued over whether or not she should be allowed to die, as she was being kept alive through artificial means.In 2011, the Supreme Court of India ruled that passive euthanasia could be allowed in certain circumstances, including in cases where a person is in a vegetative state and has no chance of recovery. The court also laid down guidelines for the procedure to be followed in such cases. The ruling had significant implications for the way in which end-of-life care is provided in India and set a precedent for future cases related to euthanasia.
Suicide among specific populations in India
While suicide affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds, certain populations in India are at a higher risk of suicide than others. These include:
Farmers: India has seen a significant increase in farmer suicides over the past few decades. According to a report by the National Crime Records Bureau, over 296,438 farmers have died by suicide between 1995 and 2013. The reasons behind farmer suicides include crop failure, debt, and lack of government support.
LGBTQ+ individuals: LGBTQ+ individuals in India face significant discrimination and social stigma, which can lead to feelings of isolation and hopelessness. According to a study by The Humsafar Trust, a LGBTQ+ advocacy organization, 26% of LGBTQ+ individuals in India have attempted suicide.
Students: Academic pressure and the high expectations placed on students in India can lead to significant stress and anxiety, which can contribute to suicidal ideation. According to a report by the National Crime Records Bureau, over 10,000 students died by suicide in India in 2019.
Suicide prevention efforts targeted towards specific populations
To address the issue of suicide among specific populations in India, various organizations and government initiatives have developed targeted prevention efforts.
Farmer suicide prevention: The government has implemented a number of measures to address farmer suicides, including debt relief programs and the provision of subsidies for farming inputs. Additionally, NGOs such as the Center for Sustainable Agriculture and the Center for Human Rights and Development have conducted awareness campaigns and provided counseling services for farmers.
LGBTQ+ suicide prevention: Organizations such as The Humsafar Trust and the Naz Foundation provide support and counseling services to LGBTQ+ individuals in India. The government has also taken steps to address LGBTQ+ discrimination through the decriminalization of homosexuality in 2018.
Student suicide prevention: Schools and universities in India have implemented mental health programs and counseling services for students. Additionally, organizations such as the Indian Association of Clinical Psychologists and the Indian Association of School Psychologists provide training and resources for mental health professionals working with students.
Mental health care in India
Mental health care in India faces significant challenges, including a lack of resources and trained professionals, social stigma, and a lack of awareness and understanding of mental health issues.
To address these challenges, the government has implemented various initiatives, including the National Mental Health Program (NMHP), which aims to provide community-based mental health care services and improve access to mental health care across India. The Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, which was mentioned earlier in the article, also aims to improve mental health care services in India by providing legal protections for those with mental illness and ensuring the provision of mental health care services.
Conclusion
Suicide remains a significant public health problem in India, and while legal changes and prevention efforts have helped to address the issue, there is still much work to be done. Suicide prevention efforts targeted towards specific populations, such as farmers, LGBTQ+ individuals, and students, have been developed, but more needs to be done to address the root causes of suicide in these populations. Additionally, mental health care in India faces significant challenges, and improving access to and awareness of mental health care services is critical to reducing the prevalence of suicide.