The Supreme Court has granted permission for passive euthanasia to a 31-year-old resident of Ghaziabad who has been in a vegetative state for nearly 13 years due to severe head injuries. The court, led by Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K.V. Viswanathan, has authorized the withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment for Harish Rana. Rana, with 100% disability and quadriplegia, will be moved to the palliative care unit at AIIMS, New Delhi, for the process.
The medical Board is directed to make decisions on treatment withdrawal based on guidelines established in the 2018 Common Cause vs. Union of India ruling. Rana, who requires constant medical assistance for breathing, feeding, and daily care, was examined by a team of medical experts at his residence. The experts reported negligible chances of recovery, leading to the consideration of passive euthanasia.
Rana’s case began with a petition to the Delhi High Court by his parents, seeking a medical Board’s evaluation for passive euthanasia. The High Court rejected the plea, citing the impermissibility of active euthanasia in Indian law. The Supreme Court intervened in August 2024, exploring humanitarian solutions due to the family’s struggle in caring for Rana. After various assessments and proposals, the Court has now allowed the withdrawal of medical treatment for Rana.
