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Passive euthanasia involves the withdrawal or withholding of life-sustaining medical treatment such as ventilators, artificial feeding, or other life-support systems when recovery is deemed impossible.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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The legal basis for passive euthanasia in India was established by the Aruna<\/span> Shanbaug<\/span> Case, where the court allowed passive euthanasia under strict guidelines and judicial supervision.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Later, the Common Cause vs Union of India recognized the right to die with dignity as part of the fundamental right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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The court also legalized the concept of a \u201cliving will,\u201d allowing individuals to state in advance whether they wish to receive life-support treatment if they become terminally ill.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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In the recent case, the court allowed the withdrawal of life support after verifying medical reports and the consent of family members.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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A medical board evaluated the patient\u2019s condition and confirmed that recovery was medically impossible.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Strict procedural safeguards were followed to ensure that the decision was voluntary, ethical, and not influenced by financial or social pressure.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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The ruling sets an important precedent for hospitals, doctors, and families dealing with terminal illness cases.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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It also emphasizes the importance of palliative care and compassionate end-of-life decisions in the healthcare system.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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The case may encourage more awareness about living wills and patients\u2019 rights in India.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Best MCQs<\/span> in Euthanasia<\/h2>\n
Which country became the first in the world to legalize euthanasia?<\/h3>\n
A. Belgium
\nB. Netherlands
\nC. Switzerland
\nD. Canada<\/p>\nAnswer: B. Netherlands
\nExplanation: The Netherlands became the first country to legalize euthanasia in 2002 under strict medical and legal conditions.<\/p>\nWhich country was the second in the world to legalize euthanasia?<\/h3>\n
A. Belgium
\nB. Luxembourg
\nC. Canada
\nD. Spain<\/p>\nAnswer: A. Belgium
\nExplanation: Belgium legalized euthanasia in 2002, shortly after the Netherlands, and later extended the law to include minors under strict safeguards.<\/p>\nWhich type of euthanasia is legal in India under specific conditions?<\/h3>\n
A. Active euthanasia
\nB. Passive euthanasia
\nC. Voluntary euthanasia
\nD. Physician-assisted suicide<\/p>\nAnswer: B. Passive euthanasia
\nExplanation: In 2018, the Supreme Court of India allowed passive euthanasia and recognized the right to die with dignity.<\/p>\nWhich landmark case in India first allowed passive euthanasia under strict guidelines?<\/h3>\n
A. Vishaka Case
\nB. Maneka Gandhi Case
\nC. Aruna Shanbaug Case
\nD. Kesavananda Bharati<\/span> Case<\/p>\nAnswer: C. Aruna<\/span> Shanbaug<\/span> Case
\nExplanation: The Aruna<\/span> Shanbaug<\/span> Case allowed passive euthanasia for the first time in India with court approval.<\/p>\nWhich Indian case legalized the concept of a \u201cliving will\u201d?<\/h3>\n
A. Shreya Singhal Case
\nB. Common Cause Case
\nC. Nirbhaya Case
\nD. Minerva Mills Case<\/p>\nAnswer: B. Common Cause Case
\nExplanation: In the Common Cause vs Union of India, the Supreme Court recognized living wills and the right to die with dignity.<\/p>\nIn euthanasia, what does \u201cpassive euthanasia\u201d mean?<\/h3>\n
A. Administering a lethal injection
\nB. Withdrawing or withholding life-support treatment
\nC. Providing painkillers to end life quickly
\nD. Assisted suicide by doctors<\/p>\nAnswer: B. Withdrawing or withholding life-support treatment
\nExplanation: Passive euthanasia involves stopping life-sustaining treatment like ventilators when recovery is impossible.<\/p>\nWhich country legalized euthanasia for minors (children) under certain conditions?<\/h3>\n
A. Canada
\nB. Spain
\nC. Belgium
\nD. Germany<\/p>\nAnswer: C. Belgium
\nExplanation: Belgium became the first country to allow euthanasia for children of all ages with parental consent and strict medical approval.<\/p>\nWhich European country is known for allowing assisted\u00a0suicide but not active euthanasia?<\/h3>\n
A. Switzerland
\nB. Italy
\nC. Portugal
\nD. Greece<\/p>\nAnswer: A. Switzerland
\nExplanation: Switzerland allows assisted suicide if the person helping has no selfish motive.<\/p>\nThe right to die with dignity in India is linked to which article of the Constitution?<\/h3>\n
A. Article 14
\nB. Article 19
\nC. Article 21
\nD. Article 32<\/p>\nAnswer: C. Article 21
\nExplanation: Article 21 guarantees the Right to Life, which the Supreme Court interpreted to include dignity in death.<\/p>\nWhich country in North America legalized medical assistance in dying (MAiD<\/span>) in 2016?<\/h3>\n
A. United States
\nB. Mexico
\nC. Canada
\nD. Cuba<\/p>\nAnswer: C. Canada
\nExplanation: Canada legalized Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) in 2016, allowing doctors to assist terminally ill patients.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ChatGPT-Image-Mar-13-2026-02_27_13-PM-300x200.png\")
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