What is passive euthanasia in Harish Rana's case?

Passive euthanasia in Harish Rana's case refers to the intentional act of letting him die by withholding or withdrawing life support.

Why did Harish Rana's father approach the Supreme Court?

Harish Rana's father approached the Supreme Court seeking passive euthanasia for his son who has been in a persistent vegetative state for 12 years.

What is the Supreme Court's directive regarding the euthanasia plea?

The Supreme Court directed the Noida district hospital to form a Primary Medical Board to explore passive euthanasia for the patient.

Home / Health / Supreme Court Directs Medical Board for Euthanasia Plea

Supreme Court Directs Medical Board for Euthanasia Plea

27 Nov, 2025

•

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.

Supreme Court Directs Medical Board for Euthanasia Plea

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.