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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Himanta resigns as Assam CM, paving way for formation of new govt
Guwahati (PTI): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday resigned along with his cabinet colleagues, paving the way for formation of a new government led by the BJP, officials said.
The BJP-led NDA bagged 102 seats in the 126-member assembly. The assembly elections were held in a single phase on April 9, and counting of votes took place on May 4.
"Following the formal notification of the results of #AssamElections2026 and to enable the formation of the new government, Dr @himantabiswa tendered his resignation as Chief Minister along with that of the council of Ministers to Hon'ble Governor Shri @Laxmanacharya54 today at Lok Bhawan," the Chief Minister's Office said in a post on X.
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The Governor has accepted the resignation, and requested Sarma to continue as the caretaker CM till the new government assumes office, it said.
Later, speaking to reporters outside the Lok Bhawan, Sarma said the oath-taking ceremony is likely to take place after May 11.
“As it was a historic win, we have invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to grace the occasion," he said.
The new Assam chief minister will be selected at a meeting of the BJP legislature party in presence of central observers, Sarma said.
