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In a landmark verdict, the Supreme Court of India permitted withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment for a patient who had been in a Persistent Vegetative State (PVS) for 13 years, while clarifying guidelines laid down in Common Cause v. Union of India, (2018) 5 SCC 1 and urging the Centre to fill the legislative gaps on subject of end-of-life care.
In a historic ruling, the Supreme Court of India permitted withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment for a patient who had been in a Persistent Vegetative State (PVS) for 13 years, reaffirming the constitutional principle of the right to die with dignity and clarifying the application of the Common Cause euthanasia guidelines across India.
Acknowledging that right to die with dignity is inseparable from the right to receive quality palliative care, Supreme Court for the first time allowed passive euthanasia by withdrawal of the applicant’s Clinically Assisted Nutrition and Hydration.
The Court stated the petitioner is living and no one, including a physician, is permitted to cause death of another person by administering any lethal drug, even if the objective was to relieve the patient from pain and suffering.
5-Judge Constitution Bench in a miscellaneous application filed to seek modifications of guidelines prescribed in 2018 Euthanasia Judgment, viewed that the guidelines need modifications. Thus, simplified the process for passive euthanasia.
5-Judge Constitution Bench of SC was hearing application to modify guidelines prescribed in 2018 Euthanasia Judgment and viewed that the guidelines need modifications. Thus, simplified the process for passive euthanasia. A detailed order with specific directions is awaited.
Supreme Court: “Why should I fear death? If I am, then death is not. If death is, then I am not. Why