Surviving Partner in Mutual Suicide Pact Liable for Abetment: Supreme Court of India

Surviving Partner in Mutual Suicide Pact Liable for Abetment: Supreme Court of India

He is Gudipalli Siddhartha Reddy v. State C.B.I. the Supreme Court of India affirmed the conviction of South Indian actress Ms. Pratyusha and Siddhartha Reddy under Sections 306 and 309 IPC in a mutual suicide agreement. The Court determined that a suicide pact should have the survivor involved which psychologically supports the determination of the deceased and therefore the survivor would be guilty of abetment under the Section 107 IPC. The fact that Siddhartha bought lethal pesticide and helped him to commit suicide, after which he lied to the law enforcement agencies, showed that the action fell under the category of intentional aid under Section 106 Evidence Act, and the Court made an adverse inference because of his false words. The surgeon who carried out the autopsy (Dr. B. Muni Swamy) was also found guilty of the unprofessional act of sensationalizing untested allegations in the media and the Court noted that forensic experts should comply with ethics and sub judice principles. This appeal was overruled, the conviction affirmed and Siddhartha ordered to surrender to serve out the rest term. It is a clear cut case that proves that survivor liability in mutual suicide agreements exists and that professional restraint must be applied by forensic professionals.