Archive · 19 Dec 2025
SC Considers Passive Euthanasia for Harish Rana
Harish Rana, a 32-year-old man, has been in a vegetative state for 13 years after suffering head injuries from a fall.
His parents have asked the Supreme Court to allow passive euthanasia, which means stopping life support.
The court has looked at reports from doctors and found that Harish is in a very bad condition with little chance of getting better.
The court wants to talk to Harish's parents before making a final decision.
They will meet on January 13, 2026, to discuss this important and sad situation.
The court has asked lawyers to study the medical reports carefully to help make the right decision.
The Supreme Court is considering a plea for passive euthanasia for Harish Rana, who has been in a vegetative state for 13 years.
A secondary medical board from AIIMS submitted a report indicating Harish's condition is pathetic with negligible chances of recovery.
The court directed Harish's parents to appear on January 13, 2026, for a personal meeting before making a final decision.
The court acknowledged the challenging nature of the case and the need for thorough assistance from legal representatives.
This is the second time in two years that Harish's parents have approached the Supreme Court with this plea.
- Who
- Harish Rana, a 32-year-old man in a vegetative state, and his parents.
- What
- The Supreme Court is considering a plea for passive euthanasia for Harish Rana.
- When
- The next hearing is scheduled for January 13, 2026.
- Where
- The Supreme Court of India, New Delhi.
- Why
- Harish has been in a vegetative state for 13 years with negligible chances of recovery, and his parents are seeking to withdraw life support.
- Patient
- Harish Rana
- Age
- 32 years old
- Condition
- Vegetative state for 13 years
- Cause
- Head injuries from a fall in 2013
- Court Hearing Date
- January 13, 2026
- Medical Board
- AIIMS secondary medical board
- Legal Representatives
- ASG Aishwarya Bhati and advocate Rashmi Nandakumar
- Previous Court Ruling
- 2018 and 2023 judgments on passive euthanasia
Sources
‘Can’t keep him like this for all time to come’: SC to speak with parents of man before deciding on passive euthanasia plea
Can’t keep him in this stage: SC to meet parents of man in coma for over 12 years
Can’t keep him like this: SC to meet parents of man on life support for 12 years
SC Weighs Euthanasia for Man in Coma for 13 Years
Euthanasia Plea: Parents' Dilemma Reaches Supreme Court
Knowledge Nugget: Euthanasia and Living Will — What UPSC aspirants must know
