New Delhi: The Supreme Court is set to deliver a crucial judgment on Wednesday in a case involving a Ghaziabad man who has been in a permanent vegetative state for nearly 13 years, after his family sought permission to withdraw life-sustaining treatment under the provisions of passive euthanasia.
Case of Long-Term Vegetative State
A bench comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K.V. Viswanathan will pronounce the verdict on the petition related to Harish Rana, who has remained bedridden since 2013 after suffering severe head injuries from a fall from the fourth floor while he was a student.
Now around 30 years old, Rana reportedly suffers from 100% disability and quadriplegia, requiring continuous medical support for breathing, feeding and daily care. His family has approached the court seeking permission to withdraw life-sustaining medical assistance, arguing that his condition has shown no improvement over the years.
Medical Boards Assess Patient’s Condition
During earlier proceedings, the Supreme Court directed the formation of a Primary Medical Board to evaluate whether withdrawing life-support could be considered under existing legal guidelines for passive euthanasia.
Doctors who examined Rana at his residence reported that he is dependent on a tracheostomy tube for breathing and a gastrostomy tube for feeding, and indicated that the chances of recovery from his current condition are extremely low.
The court later asked the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, to establish a Secondary Medical Board for an independent evaluation of his medical condition.
Petition’s Legal Journey
The matter originally began with a petition filed by Rana’s parents in the Delhi High Court, requesting the formation of a medical board to examine whether passive euthanasia could be permitted. The High Court dismissed the plea, observing that active euthanasia is not allowed under Indian law.
When the case reached the Supreme Court in August 2024, the court sought the Centre’s response and explored whether humanitarian support could be provided, noting the immense difficulty faced by the family in caring for their son for more than a decade.
Govt Assistance and Renewed Plea
In November 2024, the apex court recorded a government proposal to provide home-based medical support, including physiotherapy, dietician services, nursing care and free medicines. The court closed the matter at the time but allowed the parents to approach it again if further intervention was required.
The family later returned to the court stating that Rana’s health had deteriorated further and that years of treatment had produced no meaningful improvement.
Verdict Reserved Earlier This Year
After hearing detailed arguments and reviewing written submissions from all parties, the bench led by Justice Pardiwala reserved its judgment on January 15. The Supreme Court is now expected to deliver its final ruling on whether passive euthanasia can be permitted in Rana’s case under the legal framework established in earlier judgments recognising the right to die with dignity.