EUTHANASIA IN INDIA: A CONSTITUTIONAL ANALYSIS OF THE RIGHT TO DIE WITH DIGNITY
AUTHOR – DR.RASHA KUMARI PANDA, PH.D LAW, BERHAMPUR UNIVERSITY
BEST CITATION – DR.RASHA KUMARI PANDA, EUTHANASIA IN INDIA: A CONSTITUTIONAL ANALYSIS OF THE RIGHT TO DIE WITH DIGNITY, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 6 (9) OF 2026, PG. 269-276, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.
Abstract
This paper explores the legal, constitutional, and ethical dimensions of euthanasia in India, examining how the Indian judiciary has interpreted the right to die within the framework of Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty and ethical considerations, and emerging legal challenges. Euthanasia, commonly referred to as “mercy killing,” is one of the most debated medico-legal and ethical issues worldwide. It concerns intentionally ending the life of a person suffering from an incurable or terminal illness to relieve unbearable pain. In India, euthanasia remains a sensitive subject due to legal restrictions, ethical concerns, religious beliefs, and constitutional principles. The Indian judiciary has gradually recognized the concept of the “right to die with dignity,” particularly through landmark Supreme Court judgments that legalized passive euthanasia under strict safeguards. Euthanasia remains one of the most debated legal and ethical issues globally. It involves intentionally ending or permitting the ending of a person’s life to alleviate suffering caused by terminal illness or irreversible medical conditions. India has historically maintained a restrictive approach toward euthanasia because of constitutional values, criminal law provisions, medical ethics, and religious concerns.
Keywords: Euthanasia, Passive Euthanasia, Article 21, Right to Die, Living Will, Constitutional Law.