Supreme Court to Decide on Passive Euthanasia Petition for Harish Rana

Supreme Court's Upcoming Decision on Euthanasia Case

The Supreme Court is set to announce its ruling on a petition seeking passive euthanasia for Harish Rana, a 32-year-old man who has been in a state resembling a permanent coma for the past 13 years. This petition was filed by Rana's parents. Harish, a resident of Delhi, suffered severe injuries after falling from the fourth floor of his PG accommodation in Chandigarh in 2013, resulting in complete paralysis due to serious head trauma. The case gained attention again after his father approached the Supreme Court for permission to allow passive euthanasia. A medical board has indicated that there is no possibility of improvement in Harish's condition. If the court permits the removal of life-supporting devices, it could mark the first approved case of passive euthanasia in India.

Family's Struggles and Legal Journey

Harish's parents, who also care for two other children, sold their home in Delhi and relocated to Ghaziabad to be closer to him at AIIMS. For years, they have sought legal permission for passive euthanasia to end their son's suffering. Passive euthanasia, which involves the withdrawal of life-supporting devices, was first recognized by the Supreme Court in the 2011 Aruna Shanbaug case and later legally acknowledged in the 2018 Common Cause vs. Union of India ruling, which deemed the right to a dignified death as part of the right to life.

Legal Status of Euthanasia in India

Active euthanasia, which involves directly causing death through medication or injections, remains illegal in India. Harish's parents initially filed their petition in July 2024 in the Delhi High Court, but it was dismissed on the grounds that Harish was living without mechanical ventilation. Subsequent petitions filed in 2024 in the Supreme Court were also rejected.