Supreme Court allows passive euthanasia, clarifies 'right to die with dignity' for irreversible conditions
In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court approved passive euthanasia for Harish Rana, who was in a persistent vegetative state for 13 years, marking India's first judicial approval. The Court clarified that the 'right to live with dignity' under Article 21 includes the 'right to die with dignity' for patients with irreversible medical conditions. It distinguished passive euthanasia as the removal of an artificial barrier, allowing natural trajectory, from active euthanasia, which introduces an external agency of harm. The ruling emphasized that the 'best interests' test for such decisions must consider both medical and non-medical factors, with a strong presumption in favor of preserving life.
Key Points
- The Supreme Court granted approval for passive euthanasia in India's first judicial instance for a patient in a persistent vegetative state.
- The Court affirmed that the 'right to live with dignity' under Article 21 encompasses the 'right to die with dignity' for patients with irreversible medical conditions.
- Passive euthanasia is distinguished from active euthanasia by the absence of an external agency of harm, merely allowing the natural course of life.
- The 'best interests' test, considering medical and non-medical factors, guides decisions on withdrawing life support, with a presumption for preserving life.
- The Court also noted the term 'passive euthanasia' is obsolete, preferring 'withdrawing or withholding of medical treatment'.
Exam Facts
- The Supreme Court ruling was on March 11, 2026.
- The case involved Harish Rana, who was in a persistent vegetative state for nearly 13 years.
- The Bench comprised Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K.V. Viswanathan.
- Article 21 of the Constitution guarantees the right to life and personal liberty.
- Previous landmark cases include Gian Kaur v. State of Punjab (1996) and Common Cause v. Union of India (2018).
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