SC Asks Centre, Parliament to Take a Call on Legalising Euthanasia

The Supreme Court has asked the government and parliament to take a stand on legalising euthanasia in the country.

The Supreme Court of India, Delhi. (Photo: Reuters)

The apex court on Monday asked the Indian government and parliament to take a call on legalising euthanasia, saying the issue needed to be first debated.

A five-judge Constitution bench adjourned the hearing on the controversial issue after the Centre contended that it was examining Law Commission reports to legalise passive euthanasia.

Additional Solicitor General PS Patwalia told the bench that the Centre was examining Law Commission’s 196th and 241st reports recommending legalising passive euthanasia and that it would take a stand on the issue after the consultation process was over.

The issues of passive euthanasia and Living Will is being considered by the government. However, we may clarify that the pendency of the petition should not come in the way of the authority to take a decision. We are not passing any order at this stage.

<b>Supreme Court Bench</b>

The Supreme Court said the issue needed to be debated and discussed in ‘people’s court’, parliament. It also posted the next hearing of the issue for July.