________________
84
Suicide and the Law
India as conducive both to physical and mental health, besides providing an opportunity for worship and meditation. A fast undertaken on religious grounds causes no pain or harm to anybody. Since such fast is not directed against anybody so as, to cause him mental pressure or anxiety, it cannot be regard. ed as a harmful act. Every fast which is spiritually motivated exudes an atmosphere of tranquillity, peace and piety about it.
I have briefly surveyed the law on suicide as it exists in most of the countries in the world. The obvious conclusion is that not all countries in the world regard suicide as an offence punishable under the local law. It is also evident that in some countries, the state and the church have been taking opposite views on the subject. Further it is seen that even in countries where suicide had been an offence, the law has been abrogated. This is as it should be. Law is not static but changes with the changing concepts of the society on various matters of public conduct and social behaviour. Laws change even with the change of Government. It has always been the strength of puplic opinion that has been the determining factor as to what act or omission should constitute a crime. Law normally forbids what is revolting to the moral sentiments of the society. It is common experience that moral sentiments do change from time to time and from country to country. The purpose of law as already stated has never been goodness of inner life but the rightness of outer conduct and co-operation.
Facing death in a war, knowing full well that death is the likely result, is, applauded as heroism or vīramaraņa. Dying for religion is called Martyrdom. Facing death for a noble cause earns the title of a national hero or a Saviour. It cannot therefore be disputed that death for a noble cause or end has always been hailed by all nations, though under different designations.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
