A writ petition was filed in the Supreme Court on behalf of educator and social worker Ms. Rajshree Nagaraju, for the implementation of a framework for palliative care in India and recognition of a right to it. Palliative care is an interdisciplinary approach that aims at improving the quality of life of both terminally ill patients and their caregivers. It provides physical, emotional, psychosocial, spiritual and rehabilitative interventions.
The petition argues, inter alia, that the right to die with dignity comes within the fold of right to live with dignity as well as the right to health under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. It is also a part of the human right to health and has been internationally recognized as such. India currently has no framework or a clear declaration of a right to palliative care.
On 07 March 2024, the Supreme Court admitted the writ petition, issuing notice to the Union and State Governments and directing the Union to file a detailed reply on steps taken and policies in place for palliative care for terminally ill patients.