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Common Cause v. Union of India (2018) – Legalizing Passive Euthanasia and Affirming the Right to Die with Dignity under Article 21

Introduction

The Supreme Court of India’s judgment in Common Cause v. Union of India (2018) marked a watershed moment in Indian constitutional jurisprudence. This case, decided under Article 21 – the Right to Life and Personal Liberty, legalized passive euthanasia and affirmed that the right to die with dignity is an essential facet of the right to life. The Court’s interpretation significantly advanced personal autonomy, self-determination, and human dignity in end-of-life care.


Case Background

The non-profit organization Common Cause filed a petition before the Supreme Court seeking legal recognition of:

  • Passive euthanasia (withdrawing medical treatment or life support for terminally ill patients).

  • The legality of living wills or advance directives allowing individuals to state their wishes for end-of-life care in advance.

The petitioner argued that denial of passive euthanasia violated the right to die with dignity, an integral component of Article 21 of the Constitution.


Key Legal Issues

  1. Is the right to die with dignity included under Article 21?

  2. Can passive euthanasia be permitted under Indian law?

  3. Are living wills or advance medical directives legally valid?


Supreme Court’s Ruling

A Constitution Bench of five judges, led by then Chief Justice Dipak Misra, delivered a landmark unanimous verdict, holding that:

  • The Right to Life under Article 21 includes the Right to Die with Dignity.

  • Passive euthanasia is legally permissible under specific safeguards.

  • Living wills/advance medical directives are valid, provided a proper legal framework exists to regulate them.

📝 The Court relied on its past ruling in Aruna Shanbaug v. Union of India (2011), which had recognized passive euthanasia but left legal formalities vague.


Key Takeaways

  1. Right to Die with Dignity = Part of Right to Life

    • The Court clarified that life under Article 21 is not mere animal existence. It includes dignity at all stages, including the terminal phase.

  2. Legalization of Passive Euthanasia

    • A person can refuse medical treatment or choose not to prolong suffering.

  3. Advance Medical Directives (Living Wills)

    • People can now declare their preferences in advance, helping families and doctors make end-of-life decisions ethically.

  4. Safeguards and Guidelines

    • The Court laid down a detailed procedure to execute advance directives and ensure judicial oversight.


Constitutional Significance

This judgment elevated the status of individual autonomy and bodily integrity in constitutional law. It:

  • Strengthened the liberal interpretation of Article 21.

  • Highlighted that dignity doesn’t end with death.

  • Protected terminally ill patients from unnecessary and prolonged suffering.


Impact and Implementation

  • Following this judgment, passive euthanasia is legally valid in India under specific circumstances.

  • It led to policy discussions and the drafting of statutory laws on end-of-life care.

  • Medical professionals and hospitals now have guidelines to honor living wills while ensuring due process.


Conclusion

The Common Cause v. Union of India (2018) case redefined the Right to Life by affirming that life with dignity includes the right to a dignified death. It reflects India’s commitment to human rights, compassion, and medical ethics in the face of modern healthcare challenges. This landmark verdict is not only a victory for civil liberties but also for empathy and personal choice in one's final journey.

Explore more landmark cases on my blog — The Legal Catalyst, where law meets clarity.

FAQs

Q1. What is passive euthanasia?
Passive euthanasia refers to the withdrawal of life-support or medical treatment for terminally ill patients, allowing natural death.

Q2. What did the Supreme Court decide in Common Cause v. Union of India (2018)?
The Court legalized passive euthanasia and held that the Right to Die with Dignity is part of Article 21.

Q3. What is a living will?
A living will is a legal document where an individual states in advance their wishes for medical treatment if they become terminally ill and cannot communicate.

Q4. Is euthanasia legal in India?
Passive euthanasia is legal under the guidelines set by the Supreme Court. Active euthanasia (deliberate action to cause death) is still illegal.

Q5. Why is this judgment important?
It recognizes autonomy, personal liberty, and compassion, giving individuals a voice in end-of-life decisions.


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