The final rites of Harish Rana, the first person in India granted permission for passive euthanasia, took place at New Delhi’s Green Park cremation ground. Rana, who had been in a vegetative state for over 13 years, passed away at AIIMS, New Delhi. His brother, Ashish Rana, and sister Bhavna performed the last rites, with Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai offering support to the family.
Rai expressed condolences, acknowledging the family’s long struggle and Harish Rana’s organ donation, calling him an inspiration. The 31-year-old, in a vegetative state since 2013 due to a severe head injury, was shifted to AIIMS for end-of-life care. The Supreme Court had allowed passive euthanasia for Rana, enabling the withdrawal of life support under medical supervision.
Medical assessments confirmed Rana’s irreversible condition, leading to the Supreme Court’s decision for end-of-life care at AIIMS. The case, initiated by Rana’s parents seeking passive euthanasia, faced legal hurdles before the final verdict. The judgment marked a significant moment in India’s legal and ethical discourse on end-of-life care, concluding a lengthy legal battle for Rana’s family.
