The Supreme Court has allowed India’s first ever passive euthanasia, permitting the withdrawal of life support for 32-year-old Harish Rana. Injured in a 2013 fall, he has remained 100% quadriplegic and bedridden for over 13 years.
The Supreme Court asked the Centre to reply to a plea for help for the daughter of an Indian Air Force official suffering from Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 1. This rare genetic disease weakens muscles and affects movement, needing costly treatment. The plea stresses the need for government support. SMA Type 1 severely impacts infants and young children.