Kochi: In a landmark verdict, the Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed passive euthanasia, in terms of its 2018 Common Cause judgment (as modified in 2023) recognising the fundamental right to die with dignity.
The Apex Court permitted withdrawal of life support for a 32-year-old man, who has remained in an “irreversible permanent vegetative state” for the past 13 years after falling from a building.
The bench passed the order on a miscellaneous application filed by the father of Harish Rana seeking removal of all life-sustaining support for his son, LiveLaw.In reported.
Rana met with a tragic life-altering accident after a fall from the fourth floor of his paying guest accommodation.
The Court held that Clinically Administered Nutrition (CAN) administered through surgically installed PEG tubes is a medical treatment, which can be withdrawn in the best judgment of Primary and Secondary Medical Boards.
The Court noted that the continuation of treatment merely prolonged his biological existence without any therapeutic improvement.
In the 2018 judgment in Common Cause, the Supreme Court recognised the right to die and formulated a procedure to be followed for passive euthanasia. These guidelines were further modified in January 2023. As per these guidelines, withdrawal of life support is permissible only after the approval of Primary and Secondary Medical Boards.
This becomes the first case where the directions of the Court in Common Cause have been judicially applied.
SC’s allows passive euthanasia
