I want dignified death, not cowardly act of suicide, says Karibasamma on her mercy killing petition.
The Karnataka high court on Tuesday directed the state government to furnish medical records of HB Karibasamma, a 70-year-old woman seeking the court’s permission for euthanasia.
Justice Ajit Gunjal while hearing the petition asked the government to provide the records in a week’s time. Gunjal also issued notices to the ministry of parliamentary affairs, ministry of law and justice, and the chief secretary, Karnataka.
This is the first case in the Karnataka high court seeking permission for mercy killing.
Pramila Nesargi, senior counsel and former chairperson of the State Women’s Commission, representing Karibasamma, said the petitioner could be granted the right to die with dignity as she did not want to be a burden on the society.
Karibasamma is suffering from intervertebral disc prolapse, commonly known as slip disc. The ailment affects the spine, tearing its outer fibrous ring and swelling the soft central portion. The tears in the disc ring may result in inflammatory chemical mediators which cause severe pain. Karibasamma, who is also diabetic, is suffering from the ailment for the past 10- 11 years.
The retired school teacher languishes in an old age home in Davangere with a monthly pension of Rs8,968, which barely covers her medical expenses. With nobody to take care of her, she suffers from mental as well as physical agony. As attempts to eliminate her pain failed, Karibasamma is unwilling to live a harrowing life of pain and misery.
She had been giving representations to various authorities seeking permission to end her life from 2003. This includes one sent to the prime minister’s office this year.
“I do not have any children. I am the second wife of my husband. I am tired of my life. I am suffering from intense pain. I do not want to trouble my relatives anymore. I stay in the old age home for treatment since there is no treatment at our village. I am fighting this case as an underprivileged person,” said Karibasamma.
She further contended that she does not want to commit suicide but wants to the government’s permission to end her life through euthanasia or a physician-assisted death. Karibasamma does not want her case to be labelled a cowardly act of suicide but as an honourable end to a person who valiantly fought life.
Legal experts expressed their opinion on granting a dignified death to Karibasamma. “There is no law for euthanasia in India. There should be committees formed to look into such issues. Since people undergo too much pain and the government does not support them financially euthanasia should be legalised,” opined Nesargi.
“It is not permissible in India. When we cannot ensure a life without suffering then mercy killing should be allowed,” said advocate AV Amarnathan.
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