In a landmark and deeply compassionate verdict, the Supreme Court of India has granted permission for ‘passive euthanasia’ for Harish Rana, a 31-year-old youth who has been in a coma for the past 13 years. Harish had been dependent on life support since a tragic fall from a building in 2013, which left him with severe head injuries. Following a second appeal by his parents, a bench comprising Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice KV Viswanathan cleared the path for the withdrawal of life support.

The apex court has directed AIIMS, Delhi, to move Harish to palliative care and ensure that the life support system is withdrawn in a manner that preserves the patient’s dignity and honour. The decision came after the court thoroughly reviewed medical reports from an expert board, which confirmed that there was no hope for Harish’s recovery. This ruling establishes a crucial precedent for the ‘right to die with dignity’ in India, bringing a quiet end to over a decade of suffering for both the patient and his family.