The government on Friday turned down the recommendation of the Law Commission to set up a panel regarding the withdrawal of life support system for terminally ill patients.

"The government has examined the recommendations and is not in favour of accepting the same," Law Minister Hans Raj Bhardawaj informed the Lok Sabha.

According to the Law Commission recommendation, every "competent patient", who is suffering from terminal illness, has a right to refuse medical treatment.

The doctor must be satisfied that the decision is made by a competent patient and that it is an informed decision, the recommendation said.

In case of incompetent patients, the doctor shall not withhold or withdraw treatment unless he has obtained opinion of a body of three expert medical practitioners from a panel prepared by high-ranking authority.

The decision to withhold or withdraw must be based on guidelines issued by Medical Council of India, the Law Commission said.