When Can Medical Treatment Be Withdrawn in ‘Best Interests of Patient’? Supreme Court Explains While Allowing First Passive Euthanasia

The Supreme Court of India delivered a landmark judgment concerning passive euthanasia and withdrawal of life sustaining treatment. A Bench comprising Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice KV Viswanathan ruled that the “best interests of the patient” must be the primary consideration when deciding whether medical treatment should be withheld or withdrawn. The judgment was delivered while considering a plea seeking withdrawal of life support of Harish Rana, a 32 year…