India's 'right to die with dignity': Legal progress, practical challenges

The concept of the "right to die with dignity" has garnered significant attention in medical, ethical, and legal discussions worldwide.

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In India, this discourse has evolved notably over the past few decades, culminating in landmark judgments and policy considerations that shape end-of-life care.

In March 2018, the Supreme Court of India delivered a seminal verdict recognizing the right to die with dignity as an intrinsic facet of Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life. This judgment legalized passive euthanasia and endorsed the validity of 'living wills'. A 'living will' allows individuals to outline their preferences regarding medical treatment in scenarios where they may no longer be able to express informed consent, particularly in cases of terminal illness or irreversible vegetative states.