Explanation
The right to die with dignity is a legal concept that refers to the right of an individual to choose the time and manner of their own death, in a manner that is peaceful and humane. This right is often associated with end-of-life care, particularly for individuals who are suffering from a terminal illness or are in a persistent vegetative state.
In India, the right to die with dignity has been recognized as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty. The Supreme Court of India, in the landmark judgment of Common Cause v. Union of India, has held that the right to die with dignity is a fundamental right that is intrinsic to the right to life and personal liberty guaranteed by Article 21 of the Constitution.
The Court held that individuals have the right to refuse medical treatment or life-prolonging measures, and that they also have the right to execute advance directives or living wills that specify their wishes in the event of a terminal illness or incapacitation.
Therefore, the correct answer is option C: a fundamental right.
