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Supreme Court Directs Medical Board for Euthanasia Plea
27 Nov
Summary
- Court seeks medical board report on passive euthanasia plea.
- Patient suffers 100% disability quadriplegia for 12 years.
- Passive euthanasia involves withholding life support treatment.
The Supreme Court is examining a passive euthanasia plea for Harish Rana, a 32-year-old man in a persistent vegetative state for 12 years. Suffering from 100% quadriplegia, his father is petitioning the court to allow the withholding of life support. The court has now mandated the Noida district hospital to constitute a Primary Medical Board.
This medical board is tasked with evaluating Harish's condition and exploring the possibility of passive euthanasia. The legal framework for passive euthanasia in India, recognized by a Supreme Court decision in 2018 and refined in 2023, allows for the termination of life support under specific conditions. The board's report is to be submitted within two weeks.
Harish's condition, stemming from severe head injuries sustained in 2013, has reportedly worsened. His family has previously approached the Supreme Court, highlighting his dependence on artificial life support. The court's directive aims to gather expert medical opinion before making a decision on this sensitive matter.
