Harish Rana, First to Receive Passive Euthanasia in India, Passes Away After 13 Years in Coma

Harish Rana, who became the first person in India to receive passive euthanasia, has passed away after spending over 13 years in a coma. His journey began following a tragic accident during his college years, leading to severe head injuries. Recently, the Supreme Court allowed passive euthanasia in his case, paving the way for a dignified end to his suffering. A heartfelt video of his family bidding farewell has surfaced, capturing the emotional moments shared before his passing. This event marks a significant milestone in the ongoing discussion about euthanasia in India.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 24, 2026, 18:33 IST

Harish Rana's Journey Comes to an End

Harish Rana, the first individual in India to be granted passive euthanasia, passed away on Tuesday at the All India Institute of Ayurveda after being in a coma for over 13 years. According to sources, the 31-year-old had been in a comatose state since 2013 due to severe head injuries sustained from a fall from a fourth-floor balcony while studying for his B.Tech at Punjab University. Since then, he had relied on artificial nutrition and intermittent oxygen support.

Transition to Palliative Care

On March 14, he was moved from his home in Ghaziabad to the palliative care unit at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital in Delhi. Following medical advice, his nutritional support was gradually withdrawn after his admission. On March 11, the Supreme Court of India made a landmark ruling allowing passive euthanasia in this case, instructing AIIMS Delhi to remove life-supporting devices under a carefully crafted plan to ensure dignity.

Special Medical Team for the Procedure

To oversee the process, a specialized medical team was formed under the leadership of Dr. Seema Mishra, a professor and head of the department of Anesthesia and Palliative Medicine. This team included experts in neurosurgery, oncological anesthesia, palliative medicine, and psychiatry, marking the first instance of such a procedure being implemented in the country. Passive euthanasia involves deliberately allowing a patient to die by withdrawing or stopping life-sustaining treatments.

Emotional Farewell from Family

Shortly after the Supreme Court's decision, a poignant video surfaced showing Harish's family bidding him farewell. This 22-second clip, shared online, captures the family spending their final moments with him. In the footage, his mother sits beside him, visibly distressed, while a member of the Brahma Kumaris gently applies a tilak on his forehead, urging him to forgive everyone and to seek forgiveness in return, saying, 'It’s time to go now, alright?' while stroking his head.