Senicide is the practice of suicide or killing of aged persons. And one can find this kind of practice at Tamil Nadu in India in the name of Thalaikoothal. Thalaikoothal is the practice of killing elderly people of the family. Thalaikoothal is a Tamil word which means “leisurely oil bath”. And the methods which are used for the killing of the aged person in the name of Thalaikoothal are not only painful but it’s against the entire humanity. Ethically, morally and legally such practices should be stopped as they violate Article 21 of the Indian Constitution and it’s against the mankind. According to Article 21 of Indian Constitution, “No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law”. Right to life under Article 21 does not include the right to die. Right to life is a natural right. Even in India only passive euthanasia is permitted and not Active euthanasia.
The question regarding Right to die first time came before Bombay High Court in State of Maharashtra v. Maruty Sripati Dubal 1987 Cri LJ 743. And in this case the court declared that the Right to Life includes the Right to die, thus making Section 309 of Indian Penal Code, 1860 which makes attempt to suicide as punishable offence unconstitutional. But the Supreme Court in Gian Kaur v State of Punjab (1996)2 SCC 648, held that Right to life does not include “Right to die” or “Right to be killed”. Thus, attempt to suicide is a punishable offence under section 309 of Indian Penal Code, 1860. Right to life is a natural right and right to die is not a natural right and no one has a right to finish their life in unnatural way. Thus, the practice of Thalaikoothal is illegal and unethical.
Table of Contents
- INTRODUCTION
- PRACTICE OF SENICIDE BY CULTURE
- PRACTICE OF SENECIDE IN INDIA
- REPORTS AND ARTICLE ON THALAIKOOTHAL
- WHEN CUSTOM CAN BECOME A LAW
- VALIDITY OF THALAIKOOTHAL
- EUTHENESIA
- WHETHER SANTHARA TO BE ALLOWED OR NOT?
- SUGGESTIONS
- CONCLUSIONS
Objectives and Key Themes
This text aims to examine the practice of senicide, particularly focusing on the custom of Thalaikoothal in Tamil Nadu, India. It investigates the ethical, legal, and cultural aspects of this practice, exploring its historical context and the societal factors contributing to its occurrence. The text also touches upon the broader concepts of euthanasia and the right to die within the Indian legal framework.
- The practice of senicide and its cultural variations.
- The specific case of Thalaikoothal in Tamil Nadu, India.
- The legal and ethical implications of senicide in relation to Indian law.
- The societal and economic factors driving senicide.
- The comparison between senicide and euthanasia.
Chapter Summaries
INTRODUCTION: This introductory chapter defines senicide as the killing of elderly people, providing a historical overview of the practice across various cultures and societies. It highlights the neglect and abandonment of the elderly, often leading to their death without posing a burden on their families.
PRACTICE OF SENICIDE BY CULTURE: This chapter details instances of senicide in different cultures, including the Heruli tribe's practice of killing the elderly by burning them alive, the Inuit's abandonment of the elderly during famines, and the Japanese custom of Ubasute (abandoning the elderly to die).
PRACTICE OF SENECIDE IN INDIA: This section focuses on the practice of Thalaikoothal in Tamil Nadu, India. It describes the methods used, including inducing high fever through excessive oil baths and cold coconut water, as well as other methods like administering poison or forcing the consumption of mud. The chapter explores the motivations behind Thalaikoothal, often linked to economic hardship and the perceived burden of caring for elderly family members. It mentions specific cases and investigations into the practice.
REPORTS AND ARTICLE ON THALAIKOOTHAL: This chapter discusses journalistic investigations into Thalaikoothal, highlighting the shocking realities of the practice and the perspectives of those involved. It explores the socio-economic conditions that make Thalaikoothal seem like a viable option for some families and individuals, emphasizing the poverty and lack of resources faced by many elderly individuals.
Keywords
Thalaikoothal, Senicide, Euthanasia, Suicide, Murder, India, Tamil Nadu, Culture, Custom, Law, Ethics, Right to Life, Right to Die, Elderly Care, Socioeconomic Factors.
Frequently Asked Questions about Senicide: A Focus on Thalaikoothal in India
What is the main topic of this text?
This text comprehensively examines the practice of senicide, the killing of elderly people. It focuses specifically on the custom of Thalaikoothal in Tamil Nadu, India, exploring its ethical, legal, cultural, and societal aspects. The text also compares senicide to euthanasia and discusses the right to die within the Indian legal framework.
What is Thalaikoothal?
Thalaikoothal is a traditional practice in Tamil Nadu, India, involving the killing of elderly individuals. Methods included inducing high fevers through extreme temperature changes (oil baths and cold water) or administering poison. The practice was often driven by economic hardship and the perceived burden of caring for the elderly.
What are the key themes explored in this text?
Key themes include the cultural variations in senicide practices, the legal and ethical implications of senicide in India, the socioeconomic factors contributing to senicide, and a comparison between senicide and euthanasia. The text also examines the historical context and societal factors contributing to the practice of Thalaikoothal.
What other forms of senicide are discussed besides Thalaikoothal?
The text provides examples of senicide practices from various cultures, such as the Heruli tribe's practice of burning elderly individuals alive, the Inuit's abandonment of the elderly during famines, and the Japanese custom of Ubasute (abandoning the elderly to die).
What is the legal status of Thalaikoothal in India?
The text delves into the legality and validity of Thalaikoothal within the Indian legal system. While the specific legal standing isn't explicitly stated as a conclusion, the analysis of the practice within the context of Indian law and ethics is a significant component of the work.
How does the text compare senicide and euthanasia?
The text draws parallels and contrasts between senicide and euthanasia, examining both practices within the context of the right to die and ethical considerations.
What are the main conclusions of the text?
The text concludes with suggestions based on the analysis of senicide and Thalaikoothal, though the specific conclusions are not explicitly detailed in the provided preview.
What are the key words associated with this text?
Key words include Thalaikoothal, Senicide, Euthanasia, Suicide, Murder, India, Tamil Nadu, Culture, Custom, Law, Ethics, Right to Life, Right to Die, Elderly Care, and Socioeconomic Factors.
What is the purpose of the chapter summaries provided?
The chapter summaries offer concise overviews of each section's content, providing a clear understanding of the topics covered in each chapter of the text. This allows readers to quickly grasp the core arguments and findings of each chapter.
Where can I find more information on Thalaikoothal and senicide?
The text references reports and articles on Thalaikoothal, suggesting further reading and research into the topic for more detailed information on senicide practices and their historical and cultural contexts. (Specific sources are not provided in this preview.)
- Quote paper
- Pyali Chatterjee (Author), 2017, The Customary Practice of Senicide. With Special Reference to India, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/372138
