Supreme Court Denies Euthanasia Plea for Comatose Man

The Supreme Court of India has declined a couple's request for passive euthanasia for their 30-year-old son, Harish Rana, who has been in a vegetative state for 11 years following a severe head injury. The court clarified that removing the Ryles tube, which provides nourishment, does not constitute passive euthanasia, as the patient is not on life support. Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud described the situation as 'very hard' but emphasized that allowing the parents' plea would amount to active euthanasia, which is illegal. Instead, the court suggested exploring options for transferring the patient to a government facility for better care. This decision follows an earlier dismissal by the Delhi High Court, which also found no grounds for a medical board to consider euthanasia in this case. The parents have faced significant financial and emotional strain, having sold their home to cover medical expenses, highlighting the challenges faced by families in similar situations.