Does Indian law allow Euthanasia? Mangaluru's Dr. Haroon shares his thoughts after SC's recent order
Mangaluru: The recent Supreme Court order allowing passive euthanasia for a 32-year-old man who has been in a coma for more than 12 years has brought renewed discussion on the legal and medical framework surrounding end-of-life decisions in India.
Speaking about the issue, Dr. Haroon, a leading physician in Mangaluru who practices in the Department of Internal Medicine at KMC Mangaluru, explained the ethical principles, legal safeguards and procedures involved when such decisions are considered.
Ethical principles behind end-of-life decisions
Dr. Haroon said that medical decisions in such situations are guided by three important ethical principles: autonomy, beneficence and non-maleficence.
Autonomy refers to the patient’s right to make decisions about their own medical care. Beneficence requires doctors to act in the best interest of the patient, while non-maleficence means avoiding harm.
He pointed out that these principles are closely linked to the Right to Life guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.
Legal status of euthanasia in India
According to Dr. Haroon, euthanasia itself is not permitted in India. However, passive euthanasia is allowed under strict legal guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court.
In many cases, patients may remain alive but exist in what doctors describe as a vegetative state, where basic bodily functions continue but there is no meaningful brain activity or possibility of recovery.
Dr. Haroon said that in such situations doctors may assess the “futility of care”, meaning that continued medical treatment may not improve the patient’s condition and there may be no chance of revival.
Role of a living will
Dr. Haroon emphasised that the best way for individuals to express their wishes in advance is through a living will.
A living will is a written document in which a person states what medical treatment they would or would not want if they lose the ability to make decisions in the future.
“If I were to lose my decision making ability,” a living will allows the patient’s wishes to be respected, he said.
He described the living will as the best way to ensure that a person’s preferences regarding life support and medical treatment are followed.
Next of kin and medical boards
In cases where a living will is not available, Dr. Haroon said that decisions may be taken with the involvement of the patient’s next of kin.
He explained that a primary medical board will examine the patient’s condition and give its opinion within 48 hours.
After this, a secondary medical board will independently review the situation.
The secondary board must include one member nominated by the Chief Medical Officer of the district.
Judicial oversight
Dr. Haroon also noted that the process involves legal oversight. Once the medical boards complete their assessment, the matter must be notified to a Judicial Magistrate.
According to him, the entire process generally takes around four to five days.
He added that if any conflict or disagreement arises during the process, the matter can be reviewed by the High Court.
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Kharge calls NDA ‘opportunist alliance thriving on corruption’ at rally
Puducherry (PTI): Senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday said the NDA "is an opportunist alliance that thrives on corruption and the looting of public assets".
Addressing a rally of the INDIA bloc in Puducherry, the Congress president said Prime Minister Narendra Modi "had done nothing" for the union territory’s development.
He urged voters to back the INDIA bloc in the April 9 Assembly polls, calling it "an opportunity for the people to fight against divisive forces led by the BJP and RSS, which are destroying unity, harmony, and the progressive spirit of Puducherry."
Kharge also criticised the BJP for neglecting smaller states like Puducherry and made a strong case for granting it statehood, promising, "Congress will secure statehood—this is a guarantee we give to the people here".
He alleged that under the current AINRC-BJP coalition, Puducherry is "riddled with corruption and a 30 per cent commission system," with the NDA government exploiting the union territory, despite it being "one of the country’s most beautiful places".
He expressed concern over "misuse of funds and stalled development", alleging corruption had "seeped into every sector".
Kharge claimed that despite Prime Minister Modi’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption, "everything in practice is being handed to one person, Adani—from land to skies."
He added that the NDA was "exploiting land, temple lands, and public property."
The Congress leader also criticised the AINRC-BJP rule for granting permits for around 450 liquor shops and restaurants over the last five years, claiming, "Instead of providing clean water, the government has been giving liquor to the people."
Kharge compared the current situation with the previous Congress rule, highlighting development across sectors, particularly healthcare. "Hospitals were established here to take care of the health of the people," he said.
Among his promises, Kharge pledged "gold for mangala sutra" for women if Congress is elected, along with free education from primary school to research level.
He reiterated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s promises to Puducherry had not materialised and renewed his call for full statehood, citing the lack of powers as a "hindrance" to the elected government.
He recalled that during the previous Congress rule, then Chief Minister V Narayanasamy, who was also present, faced interference from then Lt Governor Kiran Bedi.
Kharge said Congress has always stood with the people and would continue to improve their lives through developmental programmes, as it had during earlier administrations.
The meeting was presided over by Puducherry PCC president V Vaithilingam, and among the speakers was S P Sivakumar of the DMK.
