CHENNAI: Decriminalising Section 309 will lead to an increase in fast-unto-death protests, feel some police officers in the city.
A senior police officer from the State Wing said, “As of now, we book those protestors under this section, hospitalise and force-feed them through an intravenous line if they refuse to take food even after arrest.” “This may not be possible hereafter,” the officer added.
Another IPS officer pointed out that the move has sparked a debate among IPS officers as to how to go about the complexities arising out of this when such protests are launched, regardless of whether they are politically motivated.
A senior officer from the city police feels it would have no effect on suicide rate. “Unlike people committing crimes, those with suicidal tendency will not take into account the ramifications of law on chances of a failed suicide bid.”
“Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code itself is not a deterrent factor in terms of suicide. When they have made up their minds to kill themselves, the chances of stopping them is almost nil,” the officer noted.
“We have to wait and see what comes out of the analysis of the trend and by questioning those who tried to commit suicide,” he added.