Days after SC allows withdrawal of care, Rana passes away
Harish Rana, who had been in a persistent vegetative state for 13 years, passed away at AIIMS, Delhi, days after the Supreme Court allowed the withdrawal of clinically-assisted nutrition and hydration (CANH). This judgment was the first of its kind in India, permitting passive euthanasia in specific circumstances. Rana, 32, had sustained 100% quadriplegic disability after a fall in 2013. His family, who had welcomed the court's decision, stating that no parent wanted to see their son suffer, donated his corneas and heart valves after his death. The case highlights the legal and ethical complexities surrounding end-of-life care and the right to die with dignity.
Key Points
- Harish Rana, in a vegetative state for 13 years, passed away after the Supreme Court allowed the withdrawal of clinically-assisted nutrition and hydration (CANH).
- The Supreme Court's judgment was a landmark decision, being the first of its kind in India to permit passive euthanasia in such circumstances.
- Rana had suffered 100% quadriplegic disability due to a fall in 2013.
- His family welcomed the court's decision, stating that no parent wanted to see their son suffer.
- Posthumously, Rana's family donated his corneas and heart valves, contributing to organ donation.
Exam Facts
- The Supreme Court allowed withdrawal of clinically-assisted nutrition and hydration (CANH).
- Harish Rana was 32 years old and had been in a vegetative state for 13 years since 2013.
- He passed away at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi.
- This was the first judgment of its kind in India regarding withdrawal of care.
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