Right to life prevails overs euthanasia plea of 81 years old Man

Euthanasia means intentional premature termination of life of another person as per his request to end his sufferings. Article 21 of the Constitution does not includes right to die as part of fundamental right. While active euthansia is illegal unless there is legislation permitting it, passive euthanasia is legal even without legislation, provided the Court alone, as parens patriae, takes decision, by taking views of the near relatives, next friend and doctors. In India active euthanasia is illegal and a crime.

Before Bombay High Court, a 81 years old sought permission for active euthanasia due to old age and severe medical problems. He lost his better half in the mid-way and as such, it has become difficult for him to live alone though there are members in the family, but they hardly look after him. He was discharging his daily pursuits, but unable to live with dignity with enormous pain which he was undergoing. His request for termination of life by way of active euthanasia however was not accepted, as same is illegal in India.