अरुणा शानबाग बनाम भारत संघ (मृत्यु का अधिकार)
| Citation | (2011) 4 SCC 454 |
| Court | Supreme Court of India |
| Date | 7 March 2011 |
| Year | 2011 |
| Bench | Markandey Katju, Gyan Sudha Misra JJ. |
| Acts/Articles | Article 21, IPC Section 309 |
| Category | Constitutional Law |
Key Principle Established
Passive euthanasia is permissible in India under strict guidelines. Active euthanasia remains illegal. Right to die with dignity is recognized.
Aruna Shanbaug, a nurse at KEM Hospital Mumbai, had been in a persistent vegetative state since 1973 after a brutal sexual assault. A journalist filed a writ petition seeking permission for euthanasia.
The Court held that passive euthanasia is permissible in India under strict safeguards — withdrawal of life support can be authorized by a High Court after a medical board’s opinion. Active euthanasia (administering lethal substance) remains illegal. The right to die with dignity is part of Article 21.
This was India’s first comprehensive ruling on euthanasia. It was later affirmed and expanded by the 5-Judge bench in Common Cause v. UOI (2018) which recognized living wills and advance directives.
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Read AnalysisThis judgment summary is for educational and research purposes. While care has been taken to accurately represent the ratio and findings, for authoritative reference always consult the original judgment text from official sources (SCC Online, AIR, Manupatra, or court websites).
22+ years of practice before Punjab & Haryana High Court and Supreme Court of India.