Court Emphasizes Need for Trial to Determine Allegations Amidst Claims of Heartbreak and Religious Conversion Pressure
In a significant ruling, the Delhi High Court has granted bail to Noor Mohammad, implicated in a high-profile abetment of suicide case, under FIR No. 522/2025. The case drew attention due to allegations of emotional manipulation and religious conversion pressures leading to the suicide of a 27-year-old school teacher.
Justice Manoj Jain, presiding over the case, highlighted the complexities surrounding abetment under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, corresponding to Section 306 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The court emphasized that mere relationship breakdowns do not inherently constitute instigation to commit suicide unless clear intent to provoke such an extreme act is established.
The incident came to light when the police discovered the deceased at her home, following a distress call about her suicide by hanging. The post-mortem confirmed suicide. Subsequently, the deceased's father accused Noor Mohammad, a university professor, of coercing his daughter into religious conversion as a precondition for marriage, which allegedly led to her mental distress and eventual suicide.
The defense argued that the couple had amicably parted ways due to parental pressure and the accused’s subsequent marriage to another woman. They contested the allegations, citing the absence of a suicide note or documented provocation. Furthermore, they highlighted the applicant's strong societal ties, lack of criminal history, and deteriorating health as grounds for bail.
The prosecution and the deceased's father resisted the bail plea, warning of potential witness tampering and flight risk. However, the court noted the lack of direct evidence, such as a dying declaration, and referenced similar cases where emotional distress did not equate to abetment.
Justice Jain underscored that the diaries and statements from the deceased's friends did not corroborate the conversion pressure claims. The court concluded that only a thorough trial could ascertain whether the accused's actions amounted to abetment or if the deceased acted out of personal sensitivity.
Acknowledging the completion of the investigation and the filing of the charge-sheet, the court granted bail with strict conditions to prevent any influence on the case's progression. Noor Mohammad is required to post a bond of Rs. 25,000, abstain from contacting the deceased's family or witnesses, and comply with any further court orders.
The ruling reaffirms the judiciary's cautious approach in distinguishing between personal tragedies and criminal instigation, ensuring that allegations are substantiated through due process.
Bottom Line:
Bail - Abetment of suicide - Broken relationship and heartbreaks alone do not constitute instigation to commit suicide under Section 108 BNS (corresponding Section 306 IPC) - Instigation must demonstrate clear mens rea and leave the deceased with no option but to commit suicide - Mere breaking-up of a relationship cannot, by itself, amount to abetment.
Statutory provision(s): Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 Sections 108, 45, Corresponding Section 306 IPC
Noor Mohammad v. State NCT of Delhi, (Delhi) : Law Finder Doc id # 2857748
