The Jurisprudence Of Dignity: Evolution Of Passive Euthanasia In India The Supreme Court of India’s landmark judgment in Harish Rana v. Union of India & Ors. (2026) marked a pivotal shift in the legal and ethical framework surrounding end-of-life care. By authorizing the withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment for a 32-year-old man in a permanent vegetative state (PVS) for over 12 years, the Court transformed passive euthanasia from a theoretical constitutional right into a practical legal reality. This decision redefined the boundaries of patient autonomy and the state’s role in medical decision-making. The term “euthanasia” originates from the Greek words “eu” (good) and “thanatos” (death), signifying a painless and peaceful death. It encompasses both active and passive methods, with the latter involving the withdrawal of life-sustaining interventions rather than direct intervention. Historically, the concept has evolved through medical and legal discourse, with early references dating back to the 17th century. The House of Lords Select Committee on Medical Ethics in England later formalized the definition, describing euthanasia as a deliberate act to end a life to relieve intractable suffering. While active euthanasia remains illegal in most jurisdictions, passive euthanasia—such as discontinuing ventilators or feeding tubes—is permitted in many countries. This distinction reflects a broader legal consensus that terminally ill patients possess a common law right to refuse treatment, allowing nature to take its course. Courts in jurisdictions like the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia have consistently upheld principles that prioritize patient autonomy, even as they impose strict procedural safeguards.#aruna_shanbaug #harish_rana #supreme_court_of_india #common_cause #right_to_die_with_dignity
