Supreme Court Hears Harish Rana Euthanasia Plea, Final Order Likely Today

The Supreme Court is hearing a deeply sensitive petition seeking permission for passive euthanasia for Harish Rana, a 32-year-old man who has remained in a permanent vegetative state for over 13 years following a tragic accident. The court is expected to pass a final order in the case, which could mark a landmark moment in India’s legal and ethical discourse on end-of-life care.

Harish Rana suffered severe head injuries in August 2013 after falling from the fourth floor of his paying guest accommodation in Chandigarh. The incident left him with complete physical disability and irreversible brain damage. Since then, he has been entirely dependent on life-support systems, including feeding tubes and medical assistance for basic bodily functions. Despite years of continuous care, his condition has shown no improvement.

The case returned to national attention after Harish’s parents once again approached the apex court, stating that continuing life support violated their son’s right to live with dignity. They argued that the prolonged medical intervention had only extended suffering without any realistic hope of recovery. The family also highlighted the emotional and physical toll of caregiving over more than a decade.

During the hearing, medical findings were placed before the court by an assisting counsel. Reports from two court-mandated medical boards unanimously concluded that Harish’s condition was irreversible and non-progressive. The panels noted that he requires constant external support for feeding, bladder, and bowel movements and suffers from permanent brain damage. Advanced treatments, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy, were also attempted but failed to yield results. He later developed seizures and continues to remain on medication.

The court was informed that feeding tubes constitute a form of life support and must be replaced every few months. Under the proposed passive euthanasia process, Harish would be placed under palliative care, during which all life-sustaining interventions would be withdrawn. Medical professionals assured the court that the process would be carried out scientifically, ensuring that Harish experiences no pain. Sedatives would be administered to keep him comfortable until natural death occurs.

The hearing also revisited India’s legal framework on euthanasia. Active euthanasia, involving direct medical intervention to cause death, remains illegal. However, passive euthanasia—allowing death by withdrawing life support—was permitted by the Supreme Court in 2018. Detailed guidelines were issued in 2023, mandating the constitution of both primary and secondary medical boards before such decisions are taken, especially in cases where no living will exists.

Earlier this week, the judges personally met Harish Rana’s parents and younger brother. The family reportedly expressed that they no longer wish to see Harish endure prolonged suffering and had exhausted all possible means of treatment.

If approved, this case could become India’s first officially sanctioned instance of passive euthanasia under the revised guidelines, potentially shaping future decisions on end-of-life care and patient dignity.