Context:

Switzerland's police recently arrested four individuals linked to the death of a 64-year-old American woman who reportedly used a 'Suicide Pod'.

The Sarco Pod

• Sarco suicide pod was designed by Dr. Philip Nitschke, a pro-euthanasia advocate. 
• The Sarco pod, named after the sarcophagus, is a coffin-sized, airtight machine designed, for assisted dying, created by Exit International.
• It features a 3D-printed capsule equipped with a Liquid Nitrogen canister. 
• The individual initiates the process but relies on the device for execution. 
• In the Sarco pod, a person can press a button to flood the chamber with nitrogen gas, leading to unconsciousness and subsequent death within minutes.
• Prospective users must first pass a mental fitness test to access the device.

Legal Status of Suicides in Switzerland

• In Switzerland active euthanasia is illegal but assisted dying is permitted as long as the individual ends their life without "external assistance" and helpers do not have any self-serving motives. 
• This legal framework has made Switzerland a popular destination for "death tourism."

Euthanasia and Assisted Dying:

• Euthanasia and assisted dying both involve intentional acts to end a person's life.
• Euthanasia involves a physician administering a lethal substance, which can be voluntary (with patient consent) or involuntary (without consent, such as in a coma).
• Assisted dying allows the individual to self-administer a lethal substance, typically with medical assistance limited to obtaining the drug. It does not necessarily require the person to be terminally ill.

Legal Position on Euthanasia in India

• Gian Kaur v. State of Punjab (1996): SC ruled that the right to die is not included in the right to life under Article 21.
• Aruna Ramachandra Shanbaug v. Union of India (2011):
  The Court allowed passive euthanasia.
     Active Euthanasia: This involves taking specific actions to end a patient’s life (e.g., administering lethal substances).
     Passive Euthanasia: This occurs when life-support is withdrawn, allowing death to occur from the underlying illness.
• Common Cause v. Union of India in 2018:  It ruled that active euthanasia can only be legalized through legislation.
      Currently, passive euthanasia is recognized under the Indian Constitution, particularly for individuals in a permanent vegetative state, who can seek it through the High Court.
      The Supreme Court confirmed that the right to life under Article 21 includes the right to die with dignity.