SC Seeks Centre’s Response on Passive Euthanasia Plea for Vegetative State Patient

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 21st August. The Supreme Court of India has described a case involving a man in a vegetative state since 2013 as “very hard” and sought the Centre’s response on Tuesday. The case concerns a 30-year-old patient, Harish Rana, who has been bedridden with severe head injuries after a fall from the fourth floor.

A bench led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, along with Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, addressed the parents’ plea to permit passive euthanasia. The court noted that instead of considering passive euthanasia, it would explore alternative options such as relocating Rana to a government hospital for better care.

The Delhi High Court had earlier refused to form a medical board to evaluate the plea for passive euthanasia, emphasizing that passive euthanasia is not permissible under current legal standards. The court observed that Rana, who is not on mechanical life support, is being fed through a food pipe, and thus does not fall under the criteria for passive euthanasia.

The Supreme Court bench acknowledged the hardship faced by Rana’s elderly parents, who have sold their house to sustain his treatment. They expressed sympathy and suggested exploring other humanitarian solutions.

Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati has been requested to assist in finding a suitable facility for Rana’s care. The Supreme Court’s action follows a high court decision denying passive euthanasia due to the patient’s non-dependence on external life support systems.