Euthanasia--Right to Die With Dignity Under Article 21 Invoked for First Time -- Supreme Court Permits Withdrawal of Life Support in Permanent Vegetative State
Clinically Administered Nutrition constitutes medical treatment and may be withdrawn in accordance with the judgment in Common Cause. Where Primary and Secondary Medical Boards unanimously certify that withdrawal of life support is in the best interest of the patient, court intervention is not mandatory. The right to die with dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution encompasses withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment in cases of irreversible permanent vegetative state. Withdrawal must be carried out with dignity through a tailored palliative care plan.
