Archive · 16 Jan 2026
Supreme Court Reserves Verdict on Passive Euthanasia Plea
The Supreme Court of India has heard a case about a man named Harish Rana, who has been in a vegetative state for 12 years after a severe brain injury.
His family wants to stop the life-support treatment that keeps him alive.
The court listened to arguments from both sides.
The family's lawyer said that Harish has no chance of recovery and that keeping him on life support is causing suffering.
The government's lawyer said that Harish is in a state of complete inertness.
The judges said this is a very sensitive issue and they will decide later.
The decision could affect how passive euthanasia is handled in India.
The Supreme Court reserved its verdict on a plea to withdraw life-sustaining treatment for Harish Rana, who has been in a vegetative state for 12 years.
Rana suffered a severe brain injury in his late teens, resulting in quadriplegia and irreversible damage with no chance of recovery.
The petitioner argued that continued life support amounts to passive euthanasia and causes prolonged suffering for the patient and family.
The Union government described Rana's state as complete inertness, with no response to external stimuli.
The court acknowledged the sensitivity of the issue and will issue a decision that could have far-reaching implications for end-of-life care in India.
- Who
- Harish Rana, a 31-year-old in a vegetative state for 12 years
- What
- Supreme Court hearing on a plea to withdraw life-sustaining treatment
- When
- Hearing concluded on 15th January, judgment reserved
- Where
- Supreme Court of India
- Why
- To determine if passive euthanasia is permissible in Rana's case
Petitioner's Side
Government's Side
Terminology
Petitioner's Side
Advocate Rashmi Nandakumar requested the court to use the term 'withdrawing/withholding life-sustaining treatment' instead of 'passive euthanasia'.
Government's Side
The government did not oppose the use of the term 'passive euthanasia'.
- Patient Name
- Harish Rana
- Age
- 31 years old
- Condition
- Quadriplegia and vegetative state
- Duration of Condition
- 12 years
- Court
- Supreme Court of India
- Judges
- Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K.V. Viswanathan
- Petitioner's Lawyer
- Advocate Rashmi Nandakumar
- Government's Lawyer
- Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati
- Medical Institutions Involved
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi and UP Medical Council
Sources
SC reserves verdict in passive euthanasia plea of Harish Rana
Passive euthanasia plea: SC reserves verdict on father’s plea to withdraw life support of son in coma for over 12 years
Supreme Court reserves verdict on plea for passive euthanasia in quadriplegia case - Telegraph India
SC reserves judgment on another appeal for Euthanasia: Read how global perspective is changing on assisted dying and where does India stand
