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Harish Rana: First Indian to Be Allowed 'Passive Euthanasia' Dies
Harish Rana was in a coma for over 13 years before AIIMS withdrew life support under Supreme Court guidelines, marking India's first legal passive euthanasia case.
- On Tuesday, Harish Rana, aged 31, passed away at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi following the withdrawal of his life support, marking India's first legal passive euthanasia.
- The Supreme Court permitted the withdrawal on March 11 after medical boards confirmed further treatment would only prolong biological existence, aligning with the 2018 Common Cause judgment recognizing the right to die with dignity.
- Rana had been in a comatose state since 2013 following a fall from a fourth-floor balcony; the Supreme Court commended his parents, Ashok Rana and Nirmala Rana, for their dedication throughout his prolonged illness.
- A specialized medical team led by Dr Seema Mishra managed the process through gradual withdrawal of nutritional support and palliative sedation, adhering to strict guidelines requiring certification from two medical boards.
- Activist and euthanasia advocate Pinki Virani said, "May his parents and his brother find a quiet peace of their own amid what has been a very long loss for them." The court directed the Union government to consider comprehensive legislation on passive euthanasia.
22 Articles
22 Articles
Harish Rana, first to be allowed passive euthanasia in India, dies
Harish Rana, India's first patient granted passive euthanasia by the Supreme Court, has passed away at AIIMS after 13 years in a vegetative state. His death followed the withdrawal of life support, a decision made to uphold his right to die with dignity. Rana's family, who donated his corneas ...
Harish Rana, India’s First Passive Euthanasia Case, Dies After 13 Years in Coma
Harish Rana, aged 31, passed away at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, on 24 March 2026. He had been in a coma since 2013 following a severe head injury sustained from a fall. Earlier this month, the Supreme Court of India permitted the withdrawal of his life support, making him the first person in the country to be legally allowed passive euthanasia. His death followed the gradual withdrawal of artificial nutrition…
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