Harish Rana, who had been in a coma for the past 13 years, passed away at the Delhi AIIMS on Tuesday after receiving legal approval for euthanasia from the Supreme Court.
Supreme Court Grants Euthanasia Approval
The Supreme Court had approved Harish Rana’s plea for euthanasia on 11 March 2026. Following the approval, he was admitted to AIIMS, Delhi, under the supervision of an independent medical team. The process began on 14 March, and by 15 March, his liquid food intake was stopped. On 17 March, water was also withdrawn, marking eight days without food or drink before his peaceful death. Medical supervision ensured that he did not suffer any pain during this sensitive and complex procedure.
Tragic Accident Leaves Harish in a Coma
Harish Rana, who had enrolled in Civil Engineering at Chandigarh University in July 2010, suffered a severe accident in August 2013. On the day of Raksha Bandhan, while talking to his sister on the phone, he fell from the fourth floor, leaving him quadriplegic and in a permanent vegetative state. Following the accident, he was initially admitted to PGI Chandigarh and later transferred to LNJP Hospital in Delhi in December 2013.
Family Seeks Euthanasia
Harish’s parents approached the Delhi High Court seeking euthanasia due to his unbearable physical suffering and complete immobility. While the High Court had rejected their plea on 8 July 2025, the Supreme Court later granted approval on 11 March 2026, allowing the family to proceed with the end-of-life decision.
A Landmark Case
This case marked one of the first legally approved euthanasia procedures in India under the Supreme Court’s guidelines, highlighting the legal and ethical considerations surrounding end-of-life care. Harish’s family, along with medical professionals, ensured that the procedure was conducted with dignity and without causing him any additional suffering.