Name of the Case : Aruna Ramachandra Shanbaug vs. Union of India
Year of Judgement : 2011
Popular Name : -
Related Topic/ Issue : Euthanasia
Related Article/ Schedule : 21
Supreme Court Judgement:
- Active euthanasia and assisted death are deemed illegal, while passive euthanasia is permissible under specific conditions and procedures outlined by the Court.
- The decision to discontinue life support can be made by the patient's parents, spouse, close relatives, or by a person acting as a next friend, or by the attending doctors.
- Approval from the respective High Court is required even if the decision is made by relatives, next friend, or doctors to withdraw life support.
- The Chief Justice of the High Court must promptly constitute a Bench of at least two Judges to decide on the approval. This Bench should seek the opinion of a committee comprising three reputed doctors nominated by the Bench.
- Notice must be issued to the state and close relatives of the patient, and a copy of the doctor's committee report should be provided to them. After hearing their perspectives, the High Court Bench will issue its verdict.
