After over 13 years in a vegetative state following a severe head injury, 30-year-old Harish Rana and his family received relief due to the intervention of former Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud on his last working day. Rana’s parents, Ashok Rana (62) and Nirmala Devi (55), had petitioned the Supreme Court seeking permission for passive euthanasia, as they were financially unable to continue supporting their son’s extensive medical care.
Passive euthanasia refers to withdrawing life-support measures, allowing the patient to die naturally. The parents had been facing significant financial strain, as Rana, who fell from a fourth-floor window while studying in Mohali, had sustained severe head injuries and quadriplegia. The Supreme Court’s intervention, led by Justice Chandrachud, directed the Uttar Pradesh government to assist with covering the medical costs.
Justice Chandrachud directed that the UP government arrange home care services, including visits from physiotherapists, dieticians, and medical officers, as well as cover the costs of essential medications and supplies. In case home care proved unsuitable, Rana was to be transferred to a district hospital in Noida for further medical care. The family accepted the plan, leading them to withdraw their request for passive euthanasia.
Previously, the Delhi High Court had ruled against active euthanasia for Rana, stating that he could survive in a coma without external life support. The court cited the Supreme Court’s 2018 ruling that allowed passive euthanasia under specific circumstances but prohibited active euthanasia, emphasizing that no one, including doctors, can intentionally cause the death of another person, even if the intent is to relieve suffering.
