Jain monk hails euthanasia ruling; Catholic priests slam it: Highlights

In a historic judgement, the Supreme Court on Friday held that the right to die with dignity is a fundamental right, saying that an individual could make an advance "living will" that would authorise passive euthanasia under certain circumstances. The apex court's Bench held that passive euthanasia and living will were legally valid.

While the decision has received a thumbs up from the medical fraternity and top Jain monk Tarun Sagar, the Catholic Church has criticised the verdict, saying that right to life is in God's hands and the decision should not be "acceptable to anyone who believes in humanity to kill a person suffering from old age or sickness due to sympathy".

The apex court said on its verdict that a person could prepare a "living will", under which the withdrawal of life-support system could be authorised if he reached an irreversible stage of terminal illness in the medical view.

Passive euthanasia verdict: Jain monks thank SC for the landmark ruling

Jain Muni (monk) Tarun Sagar on Friday welcomed the Supreme Court's landmark decision to allow passive euthanasia, saying it coincided with the tenets of Jainism.

"The whole world takes birth crying, but Mahavira taught us to die laughing. Today, the Supreme Court has given a historical ruling, which has been a law in Jainism for ages. I thank the Supreme Court (for the verdict)," the monk told ANI.

In a decision passed on Friday, the top court gave legal sanction to passive euthanasia or withholding treatment essential to life for a terminally-ill patient.

Recognising the right to die with dignity, a five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice of India Dipak Kumar Misra passed the order.