Passive euthanasia law: Govt awaits SC verdict

A year-and-ahalf after strongly objecting to the SC decision to adjudicate a plea for making passive euthanasia legal, the Centre on Friday made a U turn, saying it would await the SC's verdict even though it was on the verge of framing a legislation permitting passive euthanasia.
"Based on the recommendations of the expert committee, the Directorate General of Health Services has proposed formulation of legislation on 'passive euthanasia'.The expert committee has further suggested certain changes in the draft bill. The committee has not agreed to 'active euthanasia' since it has more potential for misuse and as on date it is prevalent in very few countries worldwide," the Centre said in its response to a plea filed by an NGO.
In 2014, an SC bench had decided to adjudicate the legality of active and passive euthanasia and the concept of "living will".