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Under the Supreme Court of India’s end-of-life framework as of 7 November 2026, does the absence of an…

In Harish Rana, the Supreme Court described a separate route for eligible patients who lack decision-making capacity and an advance medical directive. The process can…

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Under the Supreme Court of India’s end-of-life framework as of 7 November 2026, does the absence of an advance medical directive automatically bar withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment for an adult who lacks decision-making capacity?

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Correct answer B

In Harish Rana, the Supreme Court described a separate route for eligible patients who lack decision-making capacity and an advance medical directive. The process can involve review by both primary and secondary medical boards and concerns withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatment.

Option feedback

Option A

The framework expressly provides for cases without an advance medical directive.

Option B

The absence of a directive does not bar consideration under the separate safeguarded procedure.

Option C

The treating doctor’s unilateral decision cannot substitute for the required safeguards.

Option D

The authority to consider treatment withdrawal does not authorize active euthanasia.

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