Common Cause (A Regd. Society) vs Union Of India

The Supreme Court addressed the constitutionality of Section 306 IPC concerning abetment of suicide, emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding of individual dignity and autonomy under Article 21 of the Constitution. The Court held that passive euthanasia, under certain conditions, is permissible, thereby recognizing the right to die with dignity as an extension of the right to life. The judgment establishes that individuals have the right to make decisions regarding their own medical treatment, including the refusal of life-sustaining measures, aligning with contemporary ethical standards and international practices.