Supreme Court Calls for Clarity in Passive Euthanasia Laws

The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive legislation on passive euthanasia. The call comes after the court allowed the withdrawal of life support for 32-year-old Harish Rana, who has been in a coma for over 13 years following a severe head injury sustained in 2013.

Justices J B Pardiwala and K V Viswanathan noted the lack of regulation in India, despite the significant constitutional, ethical, and medical dimensions involved in euthanasia. They urged the government to create laws to provide clarity and certainty, following the vision set in the 2018 Common Cause judgment, which recognized passive euthanasia as a fundamental right under Article 21.

The justices highlighted that the absence of clear legislation leaves individuals at risk of decisions being influenced by non-medical factors like financial distress. The bench reiterated the judiciary's role as a temporary bridge in the absence of legislative action, stressing the need for Parliament to address this sensitive issue promptly and effectively.