India’s Supreme Court has reserved its judgment in the Harish Rana case, addressing life support withdrawal for patients in irreversible vegetative states. The decision could set a landmark precedent for passive euthanasia in the country.
Today, On 10th February, The Supreme Court of India agreed to hear a plea seeking passive euthanasia for terminally ill rabies patients in two weeks. The petition argues that rabies, being almost 100% fatal after symptoms appear, causes extreme suffering with no cure. It seeks legal recognition for withholding life support in such cases under the right to die with dignity.
On his last day as Chief Justice, DY Chandrachud provided relief to parents seeking euthanasia for their son, Harish Rana, who has been in a vegetative state for over 13 years. The Uttar Pradesh government agreed to cover medical expenses, leading the family to withdraw their euthanasia request and accept a care plan instead.
![[Vegetative State Patient] "This Case Not Eligible for Passive Euthanasia Due to Lack of External Life Support": CJI to Consider Humanitarian Alternatives for Man](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/image-2024-08-20T213548.020.png?resize=447%2C367&ssl=1)
Today, On 20th August, The Supreme Court has been urged to address the case of a 30-year-old man in a vegetative state since 2013. After the Delhi High Court’s refusal to consider euthanasia, the Supreme Court seeks humanitarian solutions for the man’s care, as the parents struggle to provide the necessary support. This raises questions about the permissibility of alternative care options.