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“Euthanasia” is generally defined as the intentional act of ending a person`s life to relieve suffering. The term originates from the Greek words “eu” meaning "goodly” and “thanatos” meaning “death”, thus literally translating to “good death”. It involves painlessly putting to death the individuals suffering from painful and incurable diseases or physical disorders.
Types of Euthanasia:
1. Active euthanasia: When a doctor or another person deliberately performs an action to end a patient's life. Eg. Giving a lethal injection.
2. Passive euthanasia: When life sustaining treatment such as ventilators or feeding tubes is withdrawn , allowing a person to die more quickly.
3. Voluntary euthanasia: When the patient gives consent to end their life.
4. Non Voluntary: When the patient cannot give consent. Eg. Coma patients.
5. Involuntary euthanasia: When it is carried out against the patient's will.
International Legal Status:
The legal status of euthanasia varies widely across different countries and regions. As of March 2021, active euthanasia is legal in seven countries, including the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Canada, and Spain.. The Netherlands legalized euthanasia in 2001, followed by Belgium in 2001. Assisted suicide is legal in Switzerland and certain U.S states.
Indian Legal Status:
Active euthanasia: Any deliberate intention to end a patient's life, such as administering a lethal injection is prohibited under Indian Law.
Passive euthanasia: Legal since 2018. The Supreme Court held that the Right to life under Article 21 of the constitution interpreted as encompassing the right to live with dignity, extends to the manner of dying. It stated that a person in a vegetative state with no prospect of recovery cannot be compelled to remain alive by medical intervention.
Landmark Judicial Milestones:
1. Aruna Ramachandra Shanbaug v. Union of India (2011): Aruna Shanbaug was a nurse working at King Edward Memorial Hospital in Mumbai. In 1973, she was brutally assaulted by a hospital sweeper, which caused severe brain damage. After the incident, she went into a permanent vegetative state and remained in that condition for more than 40 years. The Supreme Court allowed passive euthanasia under strict guidelines, including requirement of judicial approval and medical certification. “This was the first case where passive euthanasia was legally recognized, but not implemented.”
2. Common cause v. Union of India (2018): A five judge bench formally recognized the right to die with dignity as part of Article 21 and legalized passive euthanasia.
3. Harish Rana case (March 2026): In a historic first, the Supreme Court actually applied the passive euthanasia framework in practice; permitting withdrawal of life sustaining treatment for a 32 year old man who had been in a permanent vegetative state for 13 years. “This marked the first Judicial implementation of the Common Cause guidelines.”
Euthanasia remains one of the most complex and sensitive ethical issues in modern society. It raises important questions about human dignity, the right to life, personal autonomy and the role of medical professionals. Arguments in favor include – Relief from unbearable suffering, Right to die with dignity, Emotional and financial relief for families. Whereas arguments against include—possibility of misuse, sanctity of life, medical ethics, psychological factors etc.
Therefore the debate requires a careful balance between compassion for suffering individuals and the protection of life. Clear legal safeguards, ethical medical practices and compassionate care are essential to ensure that decisions regarding euthanasia respect both human dignity and social values.
The writer can be contacted at shrutikadabur1@gmail.com