Historic Verdict: Supreme Court Allows Passive Euthanasia For Harish Rana

13 years in coma

The 32-year-old Harish Rana, who has been in a coma ever since a fall 13 years ago left him with severe brain injuries, has been allowed to die by the Supreme Court.

Passive euthanasia

The Harish Rana judgment clarifies aspects related to how passive euthanasia should be applied in cases where a patient’s life is being supported by feeding tubes

What is Passive euthanasia?

Passive euthanasia refers to the withdrawal or withholding of life-support treatment to allow a terminally ill patient to die naturally, permitted in India under strict medical and legal safeguards.

What did Harish's father say?

Ashok Rana said, We have got what we wanted. I fought for three years. Which father and mother want this for their son? We do not know how many people are in a condition like Harishs. May this benefit them, too. The matter went from the high court to the Supreme Court and we got success today.

What did Harish's mother say?

Ashok Rana said his wife, who has been looking after Harish for the past 13 years, first thought of this four years back. She asked me to write to the President or the Prime Minister. I told her this (passive euthanasia) is not possible.