SC seeks response from states on passive euthanasia

The Supreme Court Wednesday issued notice to all states seeking their views on a poser whether a terminally ill person can execute a living will that life support system be withdrawn if he or she reaches a vegetative state with no hope of revival.

An apex court constitution bench headed by Chief Justice R.M. lodha, Justice Jagdish Singh Khehar, Justice J. Chelameswar, Justice A.K. Sikri and Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman issued the notice on a plea filed with it, saying the question of passive euthanasia (mercy killing) needs a comprehensive examination as there was no authoritative judicial pronouncement on the issue.

The notice is returnable in eight weeks.

The court issued notice as Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi told it that the issue entirely concerns the legislature and the judiciary should not take it up.