Right to die with dignity: SC allows passive euthanasia with guidelines

Right to die with dignity: SC allows passive euthanasia with guidelines.

The Apex Court on Thursday said passive euthanasia is permissible with guidelines. Which means, "Human beings have the right to die with dignity," the Supreme court said after allowing passive euthanasia.

The order was passed by a five-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra.

The apex court pronounced the verdict on a plea seeking legal sanction for passive euthanasia under which a person suffering from a terminal disease and in his/her last stage of life with no chance of recovery is allowed not to sustain life through artificial support system.

The petitioner, NGO 'Common Cause', had approached the court seeking a direction for recognition of 'living will'.

The NGO contended that when a medical expert said that a person afflicted with terminal disease had reached a point of no return, then the person should be given the right to refuse being put on life support.

-PTC News