The Evolution Of Euthanasia Jurisprudence In India: A Judicial Journey From Sanctity Of Life To Dignity In Death
Ananya Singh, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University
ABSTRACT
The jurisprudence of euthanasia in India has undergone significant transformation through judicial interpretation of the right to life and personal liberty under Article 21 of the constitution. This article examines the evolution of euthanasia law in India by analyzing the distinction between active and passive euthanasia and tracing the development of legal principles through landmark judicial pronouncements. Beginning with Gian Kaur v. State of Punjab, which rejected the notion of a constitutional right to die while recognizing the dignity of the dying process, the study explores the gradual shift in judicial thinking. It further analyzes Aruna Ramachandra Shanbaug v. Union of India, wherein the Supreme Court accorded limited legal recognition to passive euthanasia under strict safeguards. The article then discusses Common Cause v. Union of India, which firmly established the legality of passive euthanasia and recognized the validity of advance medical directives as an aspect of the right to die with dignity. Finally, the paper examines the significance of the Harish Rana decision in refining and strengthening the procedural framework governing end-of-life choices. Through a doctrinal analysis of these cases, the article demonstrates how Indian jurisprudence has progressively balanced the sanctity of life with individual autonomy, dignity, and compassionate end of life care. The study concludes that the evolution of euthanasia law in India reflects a cautious yet meaningful expansion of constitutional protections for terminally ill and incapacitated patients.
Keywords: Euthanasia, Active Euthanasia, Passive Euthanasia, Permanent Vegetative State, Right to Die with Dignity, Article 21, Constitutional Law, Medical Jurisprudence, End-Of-Life Decision, Advance Directives, Right to Life.
