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The issue of allowing euthanasia to the people of India has reached the Supreme Court. An individual's 'right to die' will be decided by a five-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme court.

The bench will deliberate on whether a person can end his life willingly to end his suffering due to terminal illness or because he wants to die a dignified death. Can voluntary euthanasia be allowed to a person who has no hope of recovery and is likely to go into a vegetative state.  

Chief Justice of India, P Sathasivam refered the matter to the Constitution bench today stating that voluntary euthanasia is a vital question, and involves legal and medical issues. The apex court acted  on a petition, by an NGO Common Cause, seeking legal sanction to allow a person the right to die with dignity.

The Union government is against mercy killing saying that it would have serious repercussions. Besides the right to withdraw someone's life support system can be given to a panel of doctors, but not to the patient, the Centre opined. Also a doctor's responsibility lies in preservation of life, and not to end it, the government added.

Euthanasia is a practice where a terminally ill patient can ask for an end to his life in order to relieve him from pain and suffering.

Countries over the world vary in euthanasia laws. India allows passive euthanasia, which was legalized on 7 March 2011 by the Supreme Court of India. Passive euthanasia means doctors can withdraw life support to a patients who is in a permanent vegetative state. According to the apex court guidelines, passive euthanasia would involve withdrawl of food and treatment to the patient.

Forms of active euthanasia exists is some countries like Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium and in some states of US like in Washington and Oregon. In active euthanasia, still illegal in India, the patient is administered lethal compounds to end his life.

(Picture Source: cdn.3news.co.nz)

(AW: Pratima Tigga)