Legal and social perspectives on euthanasia in India.

The legal and social perspectives of euthanasia have been widely debated in India since the 1990s. The Indian constitution is a strong pillar that supports a peaceful society and practice of morality. This paper deals with the legal and social perspectives of euthanasia in the context of India. Article 21 of the Indian Constitution assures that every Indian citizen has the right to live with dignity. While it provides all citizens the right to life, some social customs like 'thalikoothal' in Tamil Nadu southern part of India and 'sallekahana' (fasting unto the last) among Jain monks in Banaras Northern part of India are practiced. These are the challenges to the Indian Constitution and individual rights. Sallekhana is a religious custom but 'thalikoothal' is a social custom. This paper discusses social and legal points of euthanasia. The landmark case of euthanasia in the Indian Supreme Court in 2007, and the plea of Nurse Aruna Shangbarg and permission for passive euthanasia are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]