Saturday, March 29, 2025
Supreme Court Historic Ruling: Harish Rana Granted ‘Passive Euthanasia’ Permission
New Delhi: March 11, 2026
Major turning point in India’s judicial history. Supreme Court approved ‘Passive Euthanasia’ for 32-year-old Harish Rana, allowing withdrawal of life support. Justices JB Pardiwala and KV Viswanathan emphasized human dignity as paramount.
Court directed AIIMS Delhi to admit Harish immediately and remove life support per medical protocols.
Ghaziabad resident Harish’s tragedy began in 2013. As 20-year-old promising Panjab University student, he fell from hostel 4th floor. Severe head injuries left him in ‘Permanent Vegetative State’ for 13 years. Quadriplegic, fully dependent on tracheostomy and gastrojejunostomy tube for breathing/eating. No recovery hope per medical reports.
Court ruled when no medical recovery possible and life support violates human dignity, individual has right to choose death. Stressed dignity in living equals dignity in dying.
Active euthanasia (lethal injection) illegal in India. Passive means stopping/withdrawing life-sustaining drugs/machines, allowing natural death. Court approved this option for Harish’s case.
