EUTHANASIA: A comparative study

SAURABH KUMAR MISHRA

ROLL-964

SEMESTER- 10th

SUBMITTED TO- Mr. KUMAR GAURAV

AIMS AND OBJECTIVE

The Researcher aims:-

i. To discuss the general aspects of Euthanasia, meaning, definition, reasons and

religious views on Euthanasia taking into consideration the conditions of
terminally ill patients.

ii. To do a comprehensive study on the legal aspects of Euthanasia, whether it

should be legalized or not.

iii. To analyse the concept of Euthanasia with reference to other countries.

iv. To study Euthanasia in Indian context and analyse the role of Indian judiciary
with reference to Article 21 of Indian constitution.

v. To critically analyse “Right to Die” and “Right to life” taking into

consideration the legal aspects of Euthanasia.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

The researcher aims to conduct his research through Doctrinal methods accessing data from
internet, library etc. which would be further backed by Empirical method wherever necessary.

HYPOTHESIS

The Researcher hypothesises that:-

 The terminally ill patients can’t seek assistance in taking their lives because of their PVS
state. Consent of terminally ill or PVS patient is a vague and ambiguous term.
  Euthanasia is a form of Homicide and murdering another human being. The person
assisting in mercy killing is a killer and not a presumed innocent being.
 Legalizing Euthanasia would render PVS patients vulnerable especially when family
members, near friend or anyone else is interested or gains from the death of such PVS
patient which would allow him to take undue advantage of mercy killing. The right to
refuse treatment in cases of Passive Euthanasia is used as a sword and not as a shield
against them.
 The legal system in India although allows Passive Euthanasia but use of this right might
worsen the condition of patients who seek death because of their PVS state. Legalising
euthanasia would also encourage sadist tendency of those who seek pleasure through
suffering of others.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

The researcher will seek answer to above mentioned hypothesis on the basis of following
determinants.

 Do we have a “right ro die”?

 How does the medical profession view the various forms of euthanasia?
 But if the life of a person becomes painful, fruitless and full of sufferings, should the
person get rid of life?
 Who will be responsible for giving consent for euthanasia in case of a person in
permanent vegetative state?
 Will the longevity of illness be a determining factor for allowing euthanasia (if allowed)
or should it be done on case to case basis without any strict watermarked guidelines?
 Importance of time frame in giving passive euthanasia?