Supreme Court Allows Euthanasia For Harish Rana, Justice Pardiwala Turns Emotional During Verdict

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday gave its verdict in an important case related to former Panjab University student Harish Rana. The family of 31-year-old Harish Rana had sought permission from the court to withdraw his life-sustaining treatment. A two-member bench of the Supreme Court heard this petition and gave its decision after considering the opinions received from the family, the medical board and the central government. The court had reserved its decision in this matter for January 2026, after which it was made public on Wednesday.

What happened to Harish Rana?

Harish Rana was studying at Punjab University. In the year 2013, he fell from the fourth floor of his PG, due to which he suffered serious head injuries. After this accident, he became 100 percent quadriplegic and his physical activities were completely affected. Since then he has been in a 'Permanent Vegetative State' (PVS) and has been bedridden for the last 13 years.

Why did the family reach the Supreme Court?

Harish Rana's family had filed a petition in the court seeking permission to withdraw the life-saving treatment. The family said that despite treatment for a long time, there was no improvement in his condition. According to doctors, his chances of recovery are very less. In such a situation, the family had requested the court to make a decision on humanitarian grounds.

What were the opinions of the medical board and the government?

During the hearing of the case, the team of doctors told the court that the chances of Harish Rana's recovery are almost nil. Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati also told the court that in the current circumstances it may be appropriate to let nature take its course. The court considered the case keeping all these aspects in mind.

Why did the Supreme Court praise the family?

While delivering the verdict, the Supreme Court praised the role of Harish Rana's family. The court said that despite difficult circumstances for such a long time, the family did not abandon him and took constant care of him. According to the court, this is an example of family responsibility and sensitivity.

What is the importance of 'Common Cause' case?

The 2018 case ‘Common Cause vs Union of India’ was also mentioned during the hearing. In this decision, the Supreme Court had accepted the right to a dignified death as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution. Although that decision provided some guidelines regarding the process of implementing passive euthanasia, their interpretation still comes before the courts in many cases. Harish Rana's case is also considered important in the same legal context.