Bombay High Court Upholds Abetment Conviction After Husband Poured Kerosene on Wife

The Bombay High Court upheld a husband’s conviction for abetment of suicide after finding that pouring kerosene on his wife and telling her to die constituted active instigation.

Background

The wife subsequently set herself on fire. The accused argued that she had lit the fire herself, but the Court examined his conduct leading up to the fatal act.

Legal issue and reasoning

Justice Abhay S Waghwase held that the prosecution evidence supported instigation under Section 306 IPC in the circumstances. The decision does not mean every argument or harsh statement automatically constitutes abetment.

Outcome and next step

The appeal against conviction failed and the sentence remained operative.