Aruna Ramchandra Shanbaug vs Union Of India & Ors

The Supreme Court addressed the issue of euthanasia in the context of a writ petition under Article 32 of the Constitution, concerning Aruna Ramachandra Shanbaug, who has been in a persistent vegetative state for 36 years. The Court recognized the complexities surrounding euthanasia and the need for a legal framework, ultimately holding that passive euthanasia is permissible under certain conditions, thereby establishing a legal principle that allows for the withdrawal of life support in cases where there is no hope of recovery. The Court directed that guidelines be formulated for the implementation of passive euthanasia, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding human dignity.