Indian Supreme Court Approves First-Ever Passive Euthanasia Case

Supreme Court Grants Permission for Withdrawal of Artificial Life Support in India

The Supreme Court of India has allowed the withdrawal of artificial life support for a 32-year-old man who has been in a vegetative state for over 12 years. Harish Rana, a resident of Uttar Pradesh, suffered severe head injuries after falling from a building in 2013.

A bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and K V Viswanathan granted permission to withdraw life-sustaining treatment for Rana, citing that the patient’s next of kin and medical boards have concluded that administration of clinically administered nutrition should be discontinued. The court stated that Rana exhibited “no meaningful interaction” and was dependent on others for all activities of self-care.

The family had petitioned the court to allow Rana to be taken off life support, as doctors had already determined that he has virtually no chance of recovery. However, since Rana did not have a living will, he was unable to give his consent for passive euthanasia.

This marks the first time a court in India has approved the use of passive euthanasia for an individual. The country recognized passive euthanasia in 2018, allowing for the removal of life support under strict conditions to allow death to occur naturally.

The decision follows earlier cases, including that of Aruna Shanbaug, who spent 42 years in a vegetative state following a brutal sexual assault. While her family’s plea to end her life was rejected by the court, it led to the recognition of passive euthanasia under strict safeguards and with judicial approval.

The issue of euthanasia remains a contentious global topic, with proponents arguing that terminally ill patients should have autonomy to choose a compassionate end to unbearable suffering, while opponents stress the sanctity of life.

Source: Al Jazeera