Why did the SC allow passive euthanasia?
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· Health policy & public health· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
The Supreme Court allowed the withdrawal of life support for Harish Rana, who has been in a vegetative state for 13 years, clarifying that such actions constitute legally recognized passive euthanasia.
Background
The Supreme Court ruled that medical boards and the family of Harish Rana determined that continued treatment was futile. The court held that withdrawing life-sustaining treatments, such as switching off a ventilator, is legally recognized as passive euthanasia under the Indian Constitution.
Facts for Prelims
- FactHarish Rana has been in a vegetative state for nearly 13 years.
- S&TPassive euthanasia involves the withdrawal of life-sustaining treatments like ventilators.
- PostThe Supreme Court's ruling clarifies the legal recognition of passive euthanasia in India.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the constitutional balance between the 'Right to Life' and the 'Right to Die with Dignity' in the context of passive euthanasia in India.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Constitutional conflict: Balancing Article 21's right to life against the individual's autonomy to refuse futile medical intervention.
- Procedural safeguards: Necessity of medical board certification to prevent arbitrary withdrawal of life support.
- Ethical dilemma: Defining 'medical futility' versus the state's obligation to preserve life at all costs.
Keywords: Right to Die with Dignity · Passive Euthanasia · Medical Futility · Article 21 · Right to Life · Judicial Activism
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