Why in News?
The Supreme Court reaffirmed the Right to Die with Dignity for a person in a vegetative state, reiterating the legality of passive euthanasia and living wills.
Description:
Key Terms:
- Euthanasia: Ending life to relieve suffering from incurable illness.
- Passive Euthanasia: Withdrawal/withholding of life-sustaining treatment allowing natural death.
- Active Euthanasia: Deliberate act to cause death (e.g., lethal injection) – illegal in India.
- Living Will (Advance Directive): Document specifying a person’s wishes regarding life-prolonging treatment if incapacitated.
Constitutional Basis:
| Article | Provision |
| Article 21 | Right to Life and Personal Liberty |
| Judicial Interpretation | Includes Right to Die with Dignity in limited circumstances |
Key Supreme Court Judgments:
- Aruna Shanbaug Case (2011): Recognized passive euthanasia under strict safeguards.
- Common Cause v. Union of India (2018): Recognized Right to Die with Dignity under Article 21; legalized passive euthanasia and living wills.
- Common Cause Clarification (2023): Simplified living will procedure; attestation by two witnesses and a notary/gazetted officer.
Conditions:
Passive euthanasia allowed when:
- Terminal illness or permanent vegetative state
- Based on living will or family consent
- Approved by medical boards
Significance:
- Recognizes patient autonomy and dignity.
- Provides legal framework for end-of-life decisions.
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