Supreme Court Greenlights Passive Euthanasia for Comatose Man, Calls for Legislation

In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court has authorized the withdrawal of artificial life support for Harish Rana, a 32-year-old man who has been in a coma for over 13 years. The court also recommended comprehensive legislation on passive euthanasia.

A bench comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and KV Viswanathan instructed AIIMS-Delhi to ensure that life support is withdrawn with a personalized plan to maintain the patient's dignity. This ruling marks the apex court's first order on the sensitive matter of passive euthanasia, which involves withholding or withdrawing treatment that keeps a patient alive.

Rana suffered severe head injuries in a fall in 2013 and has since relied on clinically assisted nutrition. The court commended the unwavering care provided by his family and underscored the fundamental right to die with dignity, outlined in its 2018 decision and 2023 modifications.