SC Expressed Reluctance To Entertain Euthanasia Plea Of Man In Vegetative State: Not A Case Of Passive Euthanasia'

The Supreme Court in the case Harish Rana Versus Union Of India And Ors.observed and has expressed disinclination to entertain the petition filed of a man for euthanasia, observing that it was not a case of 'passive euthanasia' as he was not completely dependent on life-support machines.

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The court in the case agreed to consider the prayer for good treatment facilities and issued notice to the Union Government to explore such options.

In the present case, the petitioner, who being 30 years old, suffered head injuries after falling from the fourth floor of his paying guest house and has been confined to his bed since the year 2013 due to diffuse axonal injury with Permanent Vegetative state, Quadriplegia with 100% disability.

The petitioner submitted that his parents are aged and are unable to take care of him due to lack of resources and their own age-related obstructions.

The bench comprising of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice Manoj Misra was hearing the present matter.

The bench noted that the present case does not fall under passive euthanasia but active euthanasia which is not permitted in India.

The bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud stated that the High Court has rightly dismissed the petition filed by him.