KalingaTV News Network
New Delhi: In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court on Friday allowed ‘living will’ made by terminally-ill patients for passive euthanasia in the country.
The apex court said that directions and guidelines laid down by it and its directive shall remain in force till a legislation is brought by Parliament in this regard.
A five judge constitution bench of the Supreme Court, headed by CJI Dipak Misra, said passive euthanasia is permissible since a person cannot be allowed to continue suffering in a comatose state when he or she doesn’t wish to live.
In 2011, the court recognised passive euthanasia in Aruna Shanbaug’s case by which it had permitted withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment from patients not in a position to make an informed decision.
Article 21 provides that “no person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law.”