Question

Principle: The Constitution of India guarantees the “right to life”, meaning the right to live with human dignity. This does not include the right to die. Facts: 'M', aged 90, lives alone without family and suffers from physical and mental distress, unable to afford medical expenses. He petitions for the right to die with dignity to avoid being a burden on society.

• A. The prayer can be granted, as suicide is not an offence in India
• B. The prayer can be granted, as the right to life under the Constitution includes the right to die
• C. The prayer can be granted, as a person cannot be forced to enjoy right to life to his disadvantage
• D. The prayer cannot be granted, as the right to life under the Constitution does not include the right to die

Hint:

Right to life under Article 21 ensures protection of life, not the right to end it voluntarily.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Under Indian constitutional law, the right to life ensures protection and dignity but does not extend to ending one’s life. The Supreme Court has held that the “right to die” is not part of Article 21, except in limited cases like passive euthanasia under strict legal conditions.