Consider the following statements about Euthanasia: 1. It refers to the practice of ending the life in a manner which relieves pain and suffering. 2. In the case involving Aruna Shanbaug, the Supreme Court of India has suggested that passive Euthanasia be legalized through the Supreme Court monitored mecha- nism only. 3. Active voluntary Euthanasia is legal in Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

The correct answer is Option 2 (1 and 3 only). Statement 1 is factually correct as euthanasia is defined as the act of intentionally ending a life to relieve intractable pain and suffering.

Statement 3 is also correct; countries like Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands have legalized active voluntary euthanasia under strict medical and legal frameworks. These nations allow physicians to administer lethal substances at the patient's explicit request.

Statement 2 is incorrect because in the Aruna Shanbaug v. Union of India (2011) case, the Supreme Court legalized passive euthanasia but ruled that until Parliament enacts a law, it must be monitored by the High Courts, not the Supreme Court. The procedure involves a medical board and subsequent approval by the concerned High Court. Since statement 2 is false, Option 2 remains the only valid choice as it includes the accurate statements 1 and 3.