SC allows passive euthanasia, says human beings have the right to die with dignity

New Delhi: In a historic judgment, the Supreme Court on Friday allowed passive euthanasia, saying that human beings have the right to die with dignity. Permitting euthanasia, the apex court said that it will be permissible with guidelines.

The SC said that a person can decide when to give up the life support system and added that it has laid down guidelines on who would execute the will and how a nod for passive euthanasia would be granted by the medical board. It said that its guidelines and directives shall remain in force till a legislation is brought to deal with the issue.

The order was passed by a five-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra. The CJI said that other members of the five-judge Constitution bench have concurred on the guidelines and directives passed by it.

It was observed in court that when a medical expert suggests that a person afflicted with a terminal disease has no hope for recovery, he should be given the right to refuse being put on life support system to not prolong the agony of the patient.

(More to follow)

Source: Zee News