The case of Ruchika Girhotra, a 16-year-old girl who died by suicide in 1990, has returned to the spotlight. The Law Ministry of India is now examining the possibility of charging former Haryana Police officer SPS Rathore with abetment to suicide.
Background of the Case
In 1990, Ruchika, a student at the Chandigarh base school where Rathore was the director, accused him of molestation. Following the accusation, Ruchika’s family faced harassment, including her father’s arrest and her brother’s detention. Sadly, Ruchika died by suicide three years later.
Initial Conviction and Outrage
In 2000, Rathore was convicted of molestation under Section 354 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and sentenced to six months imprisonment. This sentence was widely criticized by the public as being too lenient for the crime.
Law Ministry Considers New Charges
The Law Ministry is now looking into whether there are grounds to charge Rathore with abetment to suicide under Section 305 or 306 of the IPC. These sections deal with the crime of instigating or driving someone to take their own life.
- Section 305 applies to abetment of suicide of a minor, which carries a punishment of life imprisonment or even death.
- Section 306 applies to abetment of suicide of an adult, and the maximum punishment is ten years in prison.
Investigating the Circumstances
The Law Ministry will determine if the events surrounding Ruchika’s case, including the alleged harassment of her family, could be considered as having abetted her suicide. This would involve a review of the original investigation and potentially new inquiries.
Importance of the Case
The Ruchika case has become a symbol of abuse of power and the need for stricter punishment for crimes against women and children. It has also highlighted the importance of thorough investigations and ensuring justice is served.
The Road Ahead
The Law Ministry’s decision on whether to pursue charges of abetment to suicide against Rathore will be closely watched. If new charges are filed, it could lead to a retrial and potentially a harsher sentence. This case also puts a spotlight on the need for robust legal systems that protect vulnerable individuals and ensure accountability for those who abuse their power.