Supreme Court seeks views of states & Union Territories on Euthanasia

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Wednesday sought the views of states and Union Territories on the controversial issue of whether a person can make a living will stipulating that she be allowed to die with dignity and life not be extended artificially in the eventuality of terminal illness or entering a vegetative state.

A five-judge bench headed by chief justice RM Lodha brushed aside the government’s suggestion that the matter be left to elected legislative bodies to deal with in view of the legal complexities involved in making such living wills. It directed that all states and union territories give their views to enable it to take a call.

The bench, also comprising justices JS Khehar, Jasti Chelameswar, AK Skiri and RF Nariman, appointed senior advocate TR Andhyarujina as amicus curiae to assist the court in deciding the plea to legalize living wills, which has been raised by NGO Common Cause.

The NGO is represented by AAP leader Prashant Bhushan.