Supreme Court Considers Passive Euthanasia Plea for Comatose Man

The Supreme Court is set to meet the parents of a comatose man, Harish Rana, as they seek passive euthanasia for their son. The primary medical board reported negligible chances of recovery after 12 years on artificial life support. A secondary board will re-evaluate his situation soon.

The Supreme Court is preparing to meet the parents of Harish Rana, a man who has been in a comatose state for over 12 years, as they seek legal approval for passive euthanasia. The plea was brought forward by Rana's father, Ashok Rana, who is advocating for the withdrawal of artificial life support.

Suffering from severe head injuries due to a fall in 2013, Rana has been completely reliant on artificial support. The court reviewed a report submitted by a panel from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, which painted a bleak picture of his chances of recovery.

Previously, a similar request was refused by the Delhi High Court, which noted that Rana, though bedridden and sustained through a food pipe, was not on ventilatory or mechanical support. The Supreme Court is now taking a closer look at the case, given the ongoing burden on his aging parents.

(With inputs from agencies.)