Elders want suicide attempt decriminalised

Elderly citizens and social activists staged a protest at Freedom Park on Monday demanding the government  to repeal IPC Section 309  which criminalises suicide attempt.

H B Karidasamma, a senior citizen and activist who has been fighting for years for removing the section from IPC, said: “The section lays down one-year jail term and fine on people who attempt suicide. This is harsh specially for elderly citizens who seek voluntary exit owing to serious medical conditions and other reasons. Most of the people aged 65 years and above suffer from terminal diseases and they do not have money to get medical treatment. As they do not want to suffer anymore, a few wish to seek exit from life voluntarily. But, they hold bank their decision on account of this legal provision.”

Writer Gorur Channabasappa said, “The government should introduce a law allowing elderly citizens to write their wish to die in the presence of  medical expert, law expert among others.

The issue has been discussed many a times, but no action has been taken as it is a sensitive topic.”