Supreme Court upholds 'right to die with dignity' for man in vegetative state; clarifies euthanasia
The Supreme Court upheld the right to die with dignity for 32-year-old Harish Rana, who has been in a persistent vegetative state (PVS) for 13 years, by allowing the withdrawal of clinically assisted nutrition and hydration (CANH). This landmark ruling is the first implementation of the court's 2018 'passive euthanasia' guidelines. Justice J.B. Pardiwala emphasized that the decision reflects profound compassion and courage, allowing the individual to leave with dignity. The court also clarified the distinction between active and passive euthanasia, stating that passive euthanasia involves allowing death to occur by withdrawing life support, while active euthanasia introduces an external agency of harm.
Key Points
- The Supreme Court allowed the withdrawal of clinically assisted nutrition and hydration (CANH) for Harish Rana, a man in a persistent vegetative state for 13 years.
- This ruling marks the first implementation of the Supreme Court's 2018 guidelines on 'passive euthanasia'.
- Justice J.B. Pardiwala highlighted that the decision is an act of compassion, allowing the individual to die with dignity.
- The court clarified that passive euthanasia allows the underlying fatal condition to take its natural course by withdrawing life support, whereas active euthanasia introduces an external agency of harm.
- The ruling emphasizes that the state's interest in preserving life must become subservient to a patient's right to dignity at a tipping point of futility.
Exam Facts
- Case involves: Harish Rana, 32-year-old.
- Condition: Persistent Vegetative State (PVS) for 13 years.
- Procedure allowed: Withdrawal of Clinically Assisted Nutrition and Hydration (CANH).
- Judges: Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K.V. Viswanathan.
- Reference: Supreme Court's 2018 Constitution Bench guidelines on 'passive euthanasia'.
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