India’s Supreme Court allows first-ever passive euthanasia death
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· Judiciary & landmark judgments· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
The Supreme Court of India allowed the first-ever instance of passive euthanasia by permitting the withdrawal of life support for a patient in a vegetative state.
Background
The court approved the withdrawal of life support for Harish Rana, a 32-year-old man who had been in a vegetative state for over 12 years. The decision followed a medical conclusion that there was no chance of recovery and a request from the patient's parents.
Facts for Prelims
- FactPassive euthanasia involves the withdrawal of life support systems to allow a patient to die naturally.
- FactActive euthanasia remains illegal under current Indian legal framework.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the constitutional validity of passive euthanasia in India and the ethical dilemmas involved in balancing the right to life with the right to die with dignity.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Legal ambiguity: Lack of specific statutory framework for 'living wills' and terminal care protocols
- Ethical conflict: Balancing the state's duty to preserve life against individual autonomy in end-of-life decisions
- Medical ethics: Risk of subjective clinical judgment in determining 'no chance of recovery' without standardized protocols
Keywords: Right to life · Passive euthanasia · Living will · Judicial activism · Dignity · Medical ethics
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