Woman Moves Delhi High Court To Stop Friend From Travelling Abroad For Euthanasia

A petition has been filed in the Delhi High Court by a woman to stop her friend, diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, from travelling to Europe for Euthanasia, thereby seeking direction on the Centre to not grant emigration clearance to him.

Claiming that the friend made 'false claims' before Indian as well as foreign authorities for getting travel permissions, the plea also seeks direction on Centre through Ministry of Health & Family Welfare to constitute a medical board to examine his medical condition and also provide necessary medical assistance to to him.

The plea avers that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a complex, debilitating, long-term neuro inflammatory disease which is a "poorly understood condition" and is in early stages of research.

Further stating that the man's symptoms started in 2014 and his condition deteriorated over the past eight years, the plea adds that at present, he is completely bed bound and just able to walk a few steps inside home.

"Finally, this year Respondent No.3 has decided to go for Euthanasia through Dignitas, an organization in Zurich, Switzerland which provides physician assisted suicide and he had travelled to Zurich for first round of psychological evaluation in June 11 to 18, 2022. According to the information received by the Petitioner, his application was accepted by Dignitas, first evaluation was approved and now awaiting the final decision by end of August, 2022," the plea adds.

The petition further states that the man is now adamant on his decision to go for Euthanasia, which will also affect the life of age old parents miserably, who still have a ray of hope for the betterment of his condition.

Title: SINDHU M.K. v. UNION OF INDIA & ORS.