Section 306 IPC: Abetment of suicide
Indian Penal Code, 1860
Section 306 IPC at a Glance
Section 306 IPC deals with abetment of suicide. It is non-bailable and cognizable, triable by the Court of Session; from 1 July 2024 it is replaced by Section 108 BNS.
Imprisonment of either description for up to ten years.
Section 306 IPC Bare Act Text
306. Abetment of suicide
If any person commits suicide, whoever abets the commission of such suicide, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Source: Section 306, Indian Penal Code, 1860
Section 306 IPC in Simple Words
Section 306 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) punishes the abetment of suicide. If any person commits suicide, whoever abets the commission of such suicide is punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and is also liable to fine. The offence is cognizable and non-bailable, and it is triable by the Court of Session.
Ingredients of Section 306 IPC
- A person committed suicide
- The accused abetted the commission of such suicide
Punishment Under Section 306 IPC
Imprisonment of either description for up to ten years.
The offender is also liable to fine in addition to imprisonment.
Abetting the commission of suicide carries imprisonment of either description for up to ten years, and the offender is also liable to fine. It is cognizable and non-bailable, triable by the Court of Session.
Example of Section 306 IPC
When Section 306 IPC Does Not Apply
- Section 306 IPC does not apply when the person who attempted self-harm survives and no suicide takes place.
- Section 306 IPC does not apply if the accused did not instigate, engage in a conspiracy for, or intentionally aid the victim in committing suicide.
- Section 306 IPC does not apply where the deceased died by accident or homicide rather than by suicide.
Section 306 IPC in the BNS
Section 306 IPC is now covered under Section 108 BNS.
Section 306 IPC is now Section 108 BNS, with the same title, the same words and the same punishment.
View detailed comparison (IPC 306 vs BNS 108) →FAQs on Section 306 IPC
What does Section 306 IPC provide?▼
It punishes abetting the commission of suicide by any person.
What is the punishment under Section 306 IPC?▼
Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and liability to fine.
Does Section 306 IPC apply if the person survives?▼
No. The section applies only if a person commits suicide.
How does Section 306 IPC differ from Section 305 IPC?▼
Section 305 IPC applies where the person committing suicide is under eighteen years of age, insane, delirious, an idiot, or intoxicated, and carries higher penalties including death or life imprisonment.
Is an offence under Section 306 IPC cognizable and bailable?▼
It is cognizable and non-bailable under the First Schedule to the Code of Criminal Procedure.
Which court tries an offence under Section 306 IPC?▼
The Court of Session.
Can an offence under Section 306 IPC be compounded?▼
No. It is not listed in Section 320 CrPC.
Where is Section 306 IPC in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼
In Section 108 BNS.
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Sources: Bare Act Text, Indian Penal Code, 1860 · Last updated: 16 Oct 2026 ·