The Bombay High Court quashed an FIR against a businessman accused under Sections 306, 506(2), and 34 IPC for allegedly abetting a suicide. The Division Bench of Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Dr. Neela Gokhale ruled that no case was made out against the petitioner. The businessman had loaned money to the deceased and his son through legal agreements. The deceased died by suicide on 24-07-2017, but no suspicion was raised initially. A suicide note found months later alleged harassment by the petitioner and others. The deceased’s employee also claimed mental torture over interest payments. However, the Court noted that the loan was given with proper documentation and the petitioner never used threats or abusive language. The Court found no evidence to show intent or instigation by the petitioner to push the deceased to suicide.
It held that mere loan recovery demands do not amount to abetment to suicide. The Court emphasized that the FIR was based only on a suicide note and one vague statement, which did not meet the legal requirement to prosecute. Hence, the FIR was quashed, protecting the petitioner from criminal proceedings.
