The Right to Die with Dignity refers to a person’s right to refuse life-prolonging medical treatment and to die peacefully without unnecessary suffering. It is closely linked to the concept of passive euthanasia and the idea that life under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution includes the right to live with dignity. In recent years, this issue has gained major legal and ethical attention in India, especially after landmark judgments by the Supreme Court of India.
What is a Living Will?
A Living Will is a written legal document in which a person clearly states their wishes about medical treatment in case they become terminally ill or unable to communicate. It allows an individual to refuse life-support or extraordinary medical procedures that only prolong suffering. In India, the concept was recognized by the Supreme Court of India in 2018 as part of the Right to Die with Dignity. It ensures that a person’s autonomy and dignity are respected even at the end of life.
Active vs Passive Euthanasia
Active vs Passive Euthanasia refers to two different approaches to ending life in cases of terminal illness. Active euthanasia involves deliberately causing death through medical intervention, while passive euthanasia involves withdrawing or withholding life-support treatment to allow natural death.
| Active vs Passive Euthanasia | ||
|
Basis |
Active Euthanasia |
Passive Euthanasia |
|
Meaning |
Direct act to cause death (e.g., lethal injection) |
Withdrawal or withholding of life-support treatment |
|
Nature |
Intentional medical intervention to end life |
Allows natural death by stopping extraordinary treatment |
|
Legal Status in India |
Illegal |
Legal under strict guidelines |
|
Judicial Position |
Not permitted by the Supreme Court of India |
Recognized and permitted by the Supreme Court of India (2011, 2018) |
|
Example |
Administering a fatal drug dose |
Removing ventilator support in terminal illness |
Last updated on February, 2026
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Right to Die With Dignity FAQs
Q1. What is the Right to Die with Dignity?+
Q2. Is the Right to Die legal in India?+
Q3. What is passive euthanasia?+
Q4. What is active euthanasia?+
Q5. What is a Living Will?+
Tags: indian constitution right to die with dignity
