‘Passive euthanasia’ ruled legal in India

Individuals have a right to die with dignity, India’s supreme court has ruled in a landmark verdict that permits the removal of life-support systems for the terminally ill or those in irreversible comas.

Passive euthanasia, as it is called, will apply only to a terminally ill person with no hope of recovery, a panel of five judges said. Active euthanasia, by administering a lethal injection, continues to be illegal in India.

The court also permitted individuals to decide against artificial life support, should the need arise, by creating a “living will”.