Rajasthan: Jain woman dies after 50 days of Santhara fasting

Bikaner, Sept 5: An 83-year old woman died after fasting for 50 days in a Jain ritual that allows voluntary starving to death.

Badni Devi Daga of Gangashahar in Bikaner died at around 8 am after observing the fast.

This unique ritual of Santhara came to the fore when the Rajasthan High Court directed police to register cases of attempt to suicide and abetment to suicide if anyone was reported performing the ritual or promoting the tradition.

However, in a relief to the Jain community, the Supreme Court stayed the high court order keeping religious freedom in mind.

Though Devi had started fasting before the SC passed the order, family members announced her santhara decision only after the verdict of the apex court.

OneIndia News