Comprehensive Guidelines on Passive Euthanasia
The Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in its judgment dated 7.3.2011 [WP (Criminal) No. 115 of 2009], while dismissing the plea for mercy killing in a particular case, laid down comprehensive guidelines to process cases relating to “passive euthanasia”. Thereafter, the matter of mercy killing was examined in consultation with the Ministry of Law and Justice and it has been decided that since the Hon’ble Supreme Court has already laid down the guidelines, these should be followed and treated as law in such cases. At present, there is no proposal to enact legislation on this subject and the judgment of the Hon’ble Supreme Court is binding on all.
The Health Minister, Shri J P Nadda stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha here today.
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MV/BK