Mumbai Sees 72 Citizens File Living Wills with Civic Authorities
According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) public health department, a total of seventy-two residents of Mumbai have formally submitted their living wills to civic officials so far. A living will is a legally binding written document that provides specific instructions for medical care or the withdrawal of medical support under particular circumstances.
Surge in Interest Following Landmark Euthanasia Case
"These 72 living wills have been submitted to the appropriate officials in our various ward offices," stated BMC executive health officer Dr. Daksha Shah on Thursday. This notable increase in registrations is largely attributed to heightened public awareness following the death of Harish Rana in Delhi, which marked India's first recognized case of passive euthanasia.
Despite the Supreme Court simplifying guidelines for passive euthanasia over two and a half years ago, significant ambiguity remains regarding how these living wills are processed and managed at the state or municipal corporation level. This lack of clarity poses challenges for both citizens and healthcare providers.
Digitization Delays and Implementation Hurdles
City gynaecologist Dr. Nikhil Datar, who became the first individual to file a living will in Mumbai in February 2023, highlighted ongoing delays. "After I filed a petition in the high court in this regard, the state said that it would complete digitization of the living will process within three months. The deadline was July 2025, but the process is incomplete," Dr. Datar explained.
In 2024, the Maharashtra government appointed a total of 417 custodians across all municipal corporations and local bodies to receive and securely store living will documents. These custodians are responsible for safeguarding the advanced medical directives. However, the state's initiative to digitize the registration process for online submission remains unfinished, complicating administrative procedures.
Calls for National Uniformity and Clarity
A senior civic official emphasized the need for standardized guidelines across India to ensure consistent implementation. "We need uniformity in the guidelines across the country. What if a person who has filed a living will in Mumbai travels to another state and the provisions have to be implemented?" the official questioned, pointing out potential jurisdictional issues.
State-level directives are still being gradually disseminated, contributing to the uncertainty. The incomplete digitization and evolving regulatory framework underscore the complexities in executing living wills effectively, even as public interest continues to grow in Mumbai and beyond.
