The Supreme Court held that a relationship breakup followed by suicide does not automatically constitute abetment of suicide under Section 306 read with Section 34 of the Indian Penal Code. The accused were prosecuted after a woman died by suicide following the refusal of one of the accused to marry her. The deceased and the principal accused had been in a consensual relationship and had lived together for approximately three months. The prosecution also alleged that members of the accused's family discouraged the proposed marriage. The Supreme Court observed that a mere refusal to marry, even if followed by suicide, does not establish the essential ingredients of abetment. The prosecution must demonstrate instigation, intentional assistance or conduct showing the necessary mens rea to drive the deceased towards suicide. The Court further held that family members cannot be prosecuted merely for expressing disagreement with a relationship or marriage without evidence of intentional instigation. Finding that the allegations did not disclose the ingredients of Section 306 IPC, the Court quashed the criminal proceedings. The judgment clarifies abetment, mens rea, instigation and the distinction between unfortunate personal events and criminal liability.