Supreme Court to Decide on Passive Euthanasia Plea Today
Supreme Court to decide on passive euthanasia plea for 31-year-old man.
Photo by Annabel Podevyn
The Supreme Court is scheduled to issue a final order today on a plea for passive euthanasia for a 31-year-old man, involving the withdrawal of artificial life support. The judges met with the man's family, who expressed their desire to end his suffering. The court noted that doctors also believed medical treatment should be discontinued.
The man, Harish Rana, sustained severe head injuries in 2013 and has been bedridden since. His family stated they have done everything possible and worry about his future care. Medical boards found no hope for his recovery.
Key Facts
SC to decide on passive euthanasia plea
Harish Rana bedridden since 2013
Doctors suggest discontinuing treatment
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper II: Polity and Governance - Issues relating to the Constitution, legal framework, and judicial pronouncements
Ethical considerations related to Right to Life (Article 21) and individual autonomy
Potential question types: Statement-based, analytical, and case study-based questions
Visual Insights
Evolution of Passive Euthanasia Debate in India
Key events and Supreme Court's role in shaping the legal framework for passive euthanasia in India.
The debate on euthanasia in India has evolved through landmark cases and judicial interpretations, balancing the right to life with the right to die with dignity.
- 2011Aruna Shanbaug case: SC allows passive euthanasia under strict guidelines.
- 2018SC legalizes passive euthanasia with advance directives ('living will').
- 2019SC clarifies guidelines on living wills, simplifying the process.
- 2023Further clarifications issued by SC to streamline the implementation of passive euthanasia guidelines.
- 2026Supreme Court to decide on passive euthanasia plea for a 31-year-old man.
More Information
Background
The concept of euthanasia has ancient roots, with discussions appearing in early Greek and Roman writings. However, the modern debate gained momentum in the 20th century, particularly with advancements in medical technology that prolonged life, sometimes against a patient's wishes or quality of life. The Netherlands became the first country to legalize euthanasia in 2002, setting a precedent for other nations to consider similar legislation.
In India, the legal journey has been complex, marked by landmark cases and evolving interpretations of Article 21 (Right to Life) of the Constitution. The Aruna Shanbaug case (2011) was a pivotal moment, prompting the Law Commission to examine the issue. This ultimately led to the Supreme Court's recognition of passive euthanasia under strict guidelines in 2018, balancing individual autonomy with the state's duty to protect life.
Latest Developments
Since the Supreme Court's 2018 ruling legalizing passive euthanasia with guidelines, several cases have come before the courts seeking permission for the same. These cases highlight the practical challenges in implementing the guidelines, particularly concerning the constitution of medical boards and the determination of 'best interests' of the patient. There's an ongoing debate about simplifying the process and making it more accessible while safeguarding against potential misuse.
The government is also considering amendments to the existing laws to provide a more comprehensive legal framework for end-of-life care, including advance directives and palliative care. Future developments may involve the establishment of specialized tribunals or committees to expedite the decision-making process in such cases, ensuring timely and compassionate resolution.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding passive euthanasia in India: 1. It involves the withdrawal of medical treatment with the intention to hasten death. 2. It was legalized by the Supreme Court in 2011 following the Aruna Shanbaug case. 3. The current legal framework requires the constitution of a medical board to assess the patient's condition. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: C
Statement 1 is correct as passive euthanasia involves withdrawing treatment. Statement 3 is correct as medical board assessment is a requirement. Statement 2 is incorrect as passive euthanasia was legalized in 2018, not 2011.
2. In the context of end-of-life care, what is an 'advance directive'?
- A.A legal document specifying a person's wishes regarding their medical treatment if they become incapacitated.
- B.A medical procedure to prolong life in terminally ill patients.
- C.A government scheme providing financial assistance for palliative care.
- D.A type of active euthanasia.
Show Answer
Answer: A
An advance directive is a legal document that allows individuals to express their wishes regarding medical treatment in case they become unable to make decisions for themselves.
3. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the legal position on euthanasia globally?
- A.The Netherlands was the first country to legalize euthanasia.
- B.Active euthanasia is legal in Switzerland under certain conditions.
- C.Passive euthanasia is permitted in some form in India under strict guidelines.
- D.Euthanasia is legal without any restrictions in Belgium.
Show Answer
Answer: D
Euthanasia is NOT legal without any restrictions in Belgium. It is legal under specific conditions and regulations.