Attempt To Commit Suicide Under BNS

The colonial-era law which is IPC, criminalized attempts to commit suicide. It was viewed as a crime against the state. Section 309 of IPC punishes such an offense with one-year imprisonment. This provision not only stigmatizes such an act of those persons who were under distress but it used to restrict them from seeking help. The shift started with the initiation of the Mental Healthcare Act, which stated that individuals who attempted suicide are often suffering from mental health issues. They should not be treated as criminals.

Commit Suicide Under BNS

The newly enacted BNS has removed section 309 of IPC from the act. It no longer penalizes the attempt to commit suicide. It keeps pace with the global trend of a decriminalizing attempt to commit suicide. It recognized that the attempt to commit suicide is not an offense but a cry for help.

Section 226 of BNS states that if a person attempts to commit suicide with the intention that by such an attempt, he would restrain or compel any public servant from discharging his duty, then his act will be punishable. Section 226 of BNS punished such an act with imprisonment of up to one year, with a fine, with both, or with community service.

The provision of community service added as a punishment is a very good step. As the person who attempts to commit suicide needs help, community service will help him change his mind.

Impact of Decriminalization

• The stigma related to mental health issues has been reduced by removing the attempt to commit suicide from the criminal provision. This is an important step in a society where mental health is not recognized or misunderstood.
• The decriminalizing of an attempt to commit suicide would encourage the behavior of seeking help whenever a person is in crisis. This shift was important as the suicide rate is rising day by day in our country.
• There should be an establishment of a mental health support system. The police and healthcare professionals should be provided training so that they can provide care and support to persons who are in distress.
• The step of decriminalization of attempts to commit suicide should be implemented properly. Clear guidelines should be established to implement the legal provision. Moreover, the person should be provided with the help whenever he needs it.

Steps for improvement

• Campaigns: The government should raise awareness about mental health issues. It should be normalised that people should start talking about mental health issues and problems without any stigma.
• Training: The training should be provided to the healthcare professionals and the police officers so that they can be well equipped and help the person who attempts to commit suicide. The training should include understanding the signs of mental distress and referring them to mental health services.
• Community support system: Such a support system should be established that provides help to individuals when they are in crisis. Peer support groups and helpline numbers should be established.
• Data Collection: For making mental health strategies, proper research and data collection should be there. It can help in making informed and effective policies for curbing the attempt to commit suicide. The centralized database should be established so that the attempted suicide can be tracked effectively.

This step of government decriminalizing attempt to suicide is a significant step in accepting that this is not a crime rather it is a situation of distress in which a person should get help.

Lead India offers free legal advice, digital information, and other legal assistance. We offer a forum where you may talk with a lawyer and ask legal questions. Lead India’s lawyers are here to assist you with any legal issues. Lead India’s attorneys are available to help you with any legal matters. Lead India not only offers online legal support, but it also enables users to ask free specialized questions.