Create a custom practice set
Pick category, difficulty, number of questions, and time limit. Start instantly with your own quiz.
Generate QuizGK Question
In Common Cause v. Union of India (2018), the Supreme Court recognized passive euthanasia and living wills (advance medical directives) as part of right to die with dignity under Article ______, subject to stringent safeguards to prevent misuse.
- 14
- 19
- 21
- 25
Answer: 21
Common Cause (2018) right to die with dignity: (a) Context: Petition seeking recognition of passive euthanasia, living wills for terminally ill patients in persistent vegetative state, (b) Supreme Court holding (5-judge bench): (i) Right to die with dignity part of Article 21 (right to life and personal liberty), (ii) Passive euthanasia (withdrawing life support) permissible for terminally ill patients in persistent vegetative state, (iii) Living will valid subject to safeguards: medical board certification, judicial oversight, etc., (c) Safeguards imposed: (i) Medical board certification: Multiple doctors confirm terminal illness/vegetative state, (ii) Judicial oversight: Magistrate approval for implementing living will, (iii) Hospital ethics committee: Periodic review of decision, (iv) Patient autonomy: Living will reflects patient's prior informed consent; family consent not mandatory if living will valid, (d) Limits: (i) Active euthanasia/assisted suicide remains illegal; only passive withdrawal of life support permitted, (ii) Procedural safeguards prevent misuse, ensure genuine patient autonomy, (e) Applications: (i) End-of-life care: Hospitals develop protocols for passive euthanasia, living will registration, (ii) Legal awareness: Public education about advance medical directives, rights, procedures, (iii) Ethical guidelines: Medical councils issue guidance on end-of-life decisions, (f) Illustrates calibrated rights balancing: Individual autonomy (right to die with dignity) balanced with sanctity of life, prevention of abuse through procedural safeguards.