Supreme Court Ensures Care for Man in Vegetative State, Rejects Passive Euthanasia Plea

The Supreme Court has provided relief to the parents of Harish Rana, a man in a permanent vegetative state, by ensuring government-supported care. The court rejected their plea for passive euthanasia, considering the conditions and offering alternative medical support options through the Ministry of Health.

The Supreme Court has intervened to assist the parents of Harish Rana, a 30-year-old man in a permanent vegetative state for over 11 years, by ensuring that he receives government-supported medical care. The parents, burdened by financial strain, had appealed for passive euthanasia, which was denied by the court.

On his last working day, Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud approved a report by the Union Ministry of Health, ensuring Rana's care through proposed government plans rather than opting for passive euthanasia, which was deemed inapplicable as Rana was not on mechanical life support.

The Health Ministry has proposed home care arrangements or shifting Rana to a hospital, backed by government and NGO support. The court has closed the petition but granted parents the liberty to seek future guidance if necessary.

(With inputs from agencies.)