Home / Crime and Justice / Supreme Court Allows Withdrawal of Life Support After 13 Years
Supreme Court Allows Withdrawal of Life Support After 13 Years
11 Mar
Summary
- SC allowed Harish Rana to withdraw life support after 13 years.
- Rana has been in a permanent vegetative state since 2013.
- Court affirmed the right to die with dignity under Article 21.
The Supreme Court of India made a significant ruling on Wednesday, allowing 31-year-old Harish Rana to have life-sustaining treatment withdrawn. Mr. Rana has been in a permanent vegetative state for more than 13 years following a severe brain injury sustained in a fall in 2013.
His family endured a lengthy and challenging period, facing substantial emotional and financial strain to maintain his care. This included selling their home to fund his medical needs. Ultimately, his father petitioned the court for passive euthanasia, seeking the cessation of life support.
The Supreme Court's decision was informed by its 2018 'Common Cause' ruling, which recognizes the right to die with dignity as part of Article 21. Rigorous medical assessments by formed boards confirmed the negligible chance of recovery.
The court stated that prolonging life artificially can violate an individual's dignity when there is no hope of recovery. This landmark decision underscores the right to choose death in such tragic circumstances.
