FROM SANCTITY OF LIFE TO AUTONOMY: REINTERPRETING ARTICLE 21 IN THE CONTEXT OF EUTHANASIA
AUTHOR – ABHISHEK VARSHNEY, RESEARCH SCHOLAR AT IFTM UNIVERSITY, MORADABAD, U.P.
BEST CITATION – ABHISHEK VARSHNEY, FROM SANCTITY OF LIFE TO AUTONOMY: REINTERPRETING ARTICLE 21 IN THE CONTEXT OF EUTHANASIA INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 6 (4) OF 2026, PG. 588-597, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.
Abstract
The question of whether the “right to die with dignity” forms an intrinsic part of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution of India has generated sustained constitutional, ethical, and legal debate. While the Supreme Court of India has progressively expanded the scope of Article 21 to include dignity, autonomy, and personal liberty, its approach towards euthanasia reflects a cautious and qualified recognition rather than a definitive endorsement of a substantive right to die. This paper undertakes a doctrinal and analytical examination of the evolving judicial discourse on euthanasia in India, with particular reference to landmark decisions such as Gian Kaur v. State of Punjab, Aruna Ramachandra Shanbaug v. Union of India, and Common Cause v. Union of India.
The study critically evaluates the tension between the principles of sanctity of life and individual autonomy, situating the debate within broader constitutional jurisprudence and bioethical frameworks. It further engages in a comparative analysis of jurisdictions where euthanasia has been legally regulated, assessing their relevance within the Indian socio-legal context. The paper argues that the current legal position in India recognizes passive euthanasia as a procedural safeguard grounded in dignity, but stops short of affirming a full-fledged constitutional right to die.
In conclusion, the paper proposes a structured regulatory framework that balances individual autonomy with necessary institutional safeguards, thereby advancing a nuanced interpretation of Article 21 that aligns with constitutional morality and contemporary societal realities.
Keywords: Article 21; Right to Life; Right to Die with Dignity; Euthanasia; Passive Euthanasia; Constitutional Law; Judicial Interpretation; Autonomy; Bioethics; Living Will; India; Comparative Jurisprudence