Interpretation: a confounding factor.
With reference to the article "Passive euthanasia in India: a critique", authored by Ms Rohini Shukla and published online on August 5, 2015, I would like to make a few comments and highlight the following points. First, the author notes that Section 309 IPC has been decriminalised. This is not so since there has neither been any amendment to the IPC, nor has any ordinance been passed regarding the matter. Attempting suicide is still an offence in India. Second, the author observes that withholding life support is an act of omission and withdrawing life support is an act of commission and the terms have been used interchangeably by the Hon'ble Court, although there is a subtle difference between the two terms.
Assistant Professor, VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi 110 029, India,. drmohitfm@gmail.com.
Mohit
M
Gupta
D005065:Euthanasia; D005066:Euthanasia, Passive / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D028761:Withholding Treatment / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*