Supreme Court to Interact With Parents Before Ruling on Passive Euthanasia Plea

The Supreme Court has decided to personally interact with the parents of a terminally ill man before deciding a plea seeking permission for passive euthanasia.

The Court said the interaction is necessary to fully understand the patient’s medical condition and to assess whether the parents’ consent for withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment is informed and voluntary.

The plea cites prolonged suffering and the absence of any realistic chance of recovery. The Bench observed that decisions relating to passive euthanasia demand strict scrutiny and must conform to the legal framework laid down in earlier judgments.

The matter has been listed for further hearing after the interaction.