Mumbai: Jain Woman Gives Up Food and Water as Part of Santhara After Husband’s Death, Dies; Know About the Controversial Practice To Embrace Death
A Jain woman in Mumbai,chose Santhara, fasting to death following her husband's passing. Know all about the contoversial practice.
Mumbai, July 30: In Tilak Nagar, Chembur, a 74-year-old Jain woman passed away on Monday, July 29, after undertaking Santhara, a Jain ritual involving fasting until death. This decision followed the recent loss of her husband and her announcement to embrace the practice. The family has declined to comment on the incident. Notably, a petition challenging the practice of Santhara has been pending with the Supreme Court since 2015.
According to a report by the Free Press Journal, before the demise of the woman, hundreds of Jains visited the flat where she lived with her son and his family. The woman relinquished food and water until she died. According to community belief, it is the ultimate way to attain moksha (salvation) when one's life has served its purpose. Navi Mumbai Shocker: 20-Year-Old Woman Stabbed to Death, Body Found in Bushes Near Uran Railway Station; Boyfriend Suspected.
What Is Santhara?
Santhara, also known as Sallekhana, is a 2400-year-old Jain ritual in which people fast to choose voluntary death. It is practiced by those who wish to end their lives with dignity and in accordance with Jain principles. The ritual involves gradually reducing food and water intakes. The duration of the practice can vary from a few days to years. This voluntary decision is never advisable for young adults or children. Virar: An elderly woman dies after a tree falls on her due to strong winds in Palghar (see pictures).
Does the Court Ban Santhara?
A petition regarding the issue has been under review by the Supreme Court since 2015. The court had stayed a Rajasthan High Court order that had prohibited the practice, which Jaipur resident Nikhil Soni challenged. Following this ban, the Jain community started protesting against the ruling. Ultimately, several Jain organisations appealed to the Supreme Court against the ban and succeeded in obtaining a stay on the Rajasthan High Court's order. "While the Supreme Court stayed the order and issued notices, we have yet to receive them," stated a representative.
As per Business Standard, opponents of Santhara liken it to suicide, arguing it violates the right to life under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. Supporters, however, believe that the right to life includes the choice to end one's life peacefully. The community's lawyers maintain that Santhara is an ancient spiritual practice that should not be interfered with by the courts.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 30, 2024 09:01 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).