Sallekhana

Sallekhanā (also Santhara, Samadhi-marana, Sanyasana-marana) is the last vow prescribed by the Jain ethical code of conduct. The vow of sallekhanā is observed by the Jain ascetics and lay votaries at the end of their life by gradually reducing the intake of food and liquids. Sallekhanā is allowed when normal life according to religion is not possible due to old age, incurable disease or when a person is nearing his end. It is a highly respected practice among the members of the Jain community. According to Jain texts, sallekhanā leads to ahimsā (non-violence or non-injury), as a person observing sallekhanā subjugates the passions, which are the root cause of hiṃsā (injury or violence). In 2015, Rajasthan High Court banned the practice calling it suicide. On 31 August 2015, Supreme Court of India stayed the decision of Rajasthan High Court and lifted the ban on sallekhana.