The Supreme Court on Monday stayed a Rajasthan High Court order which held that the Jain practice of Santhara amounted to suicide.

The apex court stayed the Rajasthan High Court order which declared Santhara as illegal under section 309 of the IPC (punishment for attempted suicide).

The high court had also held that any endorsement of Santhara by the members of the community amounted to abetment to suicide. The court’s judgment however has been severely criticised by practitioners and supporters of the religion with many calling it "flawed" and "misconstrued".

With inputs IANS 

Also read: Is Santhara suicide or dignity in death? Believers, jurists and lawyers unite against court verdict