Punjab & Haryana High Court Upholds Acquittal of Man Accused of Abetting Wife’s Suicide, Cites Lack of Evidence

The Punjab and Haryana High Court affirmed the acquittal of a man accused of abetting his wife’s suicide, ruling that the prosecution failed to establish sufficient evidence. The deceased woman had allegedly taken her life due to harassment, but the Court observed that there was no cogent material proving cruelty or instigation by the husband that could amount to abetment under Section 306 IPC. The Court stressed that mere allegations without corroborative proof cannot sustain conviction in such sensitive matters. It reiterated that abetment requires intentional aid, instigation, or active participation, none of which were demonstrated. The ruling underscores the principle that criminal liability for abetment of suicide cannot rest on suspicion or strained relations alone. By confirming acquittal, the Court safeguarded against wrongful conviction and reinforced that matrimonial disputes, though unfortunate, do not automatically amount to criminal abetment unless backed by strong evidence.