Civil Law  - Euthanasia

Euthanasia - Perplexing issue in case of an incompetent person - Who is unable to take decision whether to withdraw life support or not - It is the Court alone - Which ultimately must take this decision - Views of near relatives, next friend and doctors must be given due weight - High Court under Article 226 of Constitution - Grant approval for withdrawal of life support - Procedure to be adopted by the High Court when such an application is filed - When such an application is filed Chief Justice of High Court should forthwith constitute a Bench - At least two Judges who should decide to grant approval or not - Bench should seek opinion of a committee of three reputed doctors - Preferably one should be a neurologist, one should be a psychiatrist, and the third a physician - Bench shall issue notice to State close relatives e.g. parents, spouse, brothers/sisters etc. of the patient, and in their absence his/her next friend - Supply a copy of report - Doctor's committee hearing them - High Court bench should give its verdict - above procedure should be followed all over India until Parliament makes legislation on this subject - High Court should give its decision speedily earliest- Delay in matter may result in causing great mental agony - Relatives and persons close to the patient.

Topic(s)-Euthanasia

Important Decision(s)- Euthanasia - Perplexing issue - Procedure should be followed all over India until Parliament makes legislation on this subject.