ARUNA RAMCHANDRA SHANBAUG, a nurse hospitalized since 1973 has come at the centre-stage in as much as euthanasia for her is being considered by the Supreme Court. A Bench of the Court, comprising of Justice Markendey Katju and Justice Gyan Sudha Misra is currently seized of a matter ARUNA RAMCHANDRA SHANBAUG v. Union of India & Ors. which necessarily involves the legality and validity of the plea of Aruna, through her next friend Ms. Pinky Virani, for euthanasia. More facts at this Times of India report.
The Court has directed constitution of a committee of doctors for submitting a report on the status and position of Aruna such that her plea for assisted suicide could be considered. On the submission of the Report the Court has directed the matter to be heard on 2nd March, 2011 and has required the assistance of the first legal officer of the country, the Attorney Genera of India, such that the matter can be given a final decision. The Supreme Court in its order dated 18th February, 2011 observed as under;
In the above case Dr. J.V. Divatia on 17.02.2011 handed over the report of the team of three doctors whom we had appointed by our order dated 24th January, 2011. He has also handed over a CD in this connection. Let the report as well as the CD form part of the record.
On mentioning, the case has been adjourned to be listed on 2nd March, 2011 at the request of learned Attorney General of India, Mr. T.R. Andhyarujina, learned Senior Advocate, whom we have appointed as amicus curiae in the case as well as Mr. Shekhar Naphade, learned Senior Advocate for the petitioner.
We request the doctors whom we had appointed viz., Dr. J.V. Divatia, Dr. Roop Gurshani and Dr. Nilesh Shah to appear before us on 2nd March, 2011 at 10.30 A.M. in the Court, since it is quite possible that we may like to ask them questions about the report which they have submitted, and in general about their views in connection with euthanasia.
On perusal of the report of the committee of doctors to us we have noted that there are many technical terms which have been used therein which a non-medical man would find it difficult to understand. We, therefore, request the doctors to submit a supplementary report by the next date of hearing (by e-mailing copy of the same two days before the next date of hearing) in which the meaning of these technical terms in the report is also explained. The Central Government is directed to arrange for the air travel expenses of all the three doctors as well as their stay in a suitable accommodation at Delhi and also to provide them necessary conveyance and other facilities they require, so that they can appear before us on 02.03.2011. An honorarium may also be given to the doctors, if they so desire, which may be arranged mutually with the learned Attorney General.
The Dean of King Edward Memorial Hospital as well as Ms. Pinky Virani (who claims to be the next friend of the petitioner) are directed to intimate the brother(s)/sister(s) or other close relatives of the petitioner that the case will be listed on 2nd March, 2011 in the Supreme Court and they can put forward their views before the Court, if they so desire. Learned counsel for the petitioner and the Registry of this Court shall communicate a copy of this Order forthwith to the Dean, KEM Hospital. The Dean, KEM Hospital is requested to file an affidavit stating his views regarding the prayer in this writ petition, and also the condition of the petitioner.
Copy of this Order shall be given forthwith to learned Attorney General of India, Mr. Shekhar Naphade and Mr. Andhyarujina, learned Senior Advocates. Let the matter be listed as the first item on 2nd March, 2011.
court will define it.
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