Attempts to commit suicide by a mentally ill person will not be punishable under a new law that has got assent from President Pranab Mukherjee. The law aims to provide mental healthcare and services to persons with mental illness and to protect their rights. The IPC section lays down punishment, simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year (with or without fine), for whoever attempts to commit suicide. It also says that the person with mental illness shall not be "chained in any manner or form whatsoever". "The new mental healthcare act decriminalises attempt to suicide by a mentally ill person besides prohibiting doctors from using shock therapy.

Source: dna April 09, 2017 05:48 UTC