SMT. GIAN KAUR vs THE STATE OF PUNJAB

The Supreme Court addressed the constitutional validity of Section 306 IPC, which penalizes abetment of suicide, in light of the earlier ruling in P. Rathinam v. Union of India, where Section 309 IPC was declared unconstitutional under Article 21. The Court held that the argument that assisting suicide is a fundamental right under Article 21 necessitates a reconsideration of Section 306 IPC. Consequently, the matter was referred to a Constitution Bench for further examination of the implications of Article 21 on the abetment of suicide.