Harish Rana v. Union of India, 2025
The Court stressed the importance of personal consultation with family members before exercising the sensitive decision to allow passive euthanasia.
Judgement Details
Court
Supreme Court of India
Date of Decision
18 December 2025
Judges
Justice JB Pardiwala & Justice KV Viswanathan
Citation
Acts / Provisions
Section 13(1)(ia), Hindu Marriage Act, 1955
Section 25, Hindu Marriage Act, 1955
Facts of the Case
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The case concerns a 32-year-old man, Harish Rana, who has remained in a vegetative state for 12 years following a fall from a building.
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The father filed an application seeking passive euthanasia, i.e., removal of all life-sustaining treatment.
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Earlier in 2024, the Supreme Court had refused to allow passive euthanasia, but the State of Uttar Pradesh agreed to continue medical care.
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The father filed a Miscellaneous Application in 2025, stating that his son’s condition had worsened and he was not responding to treatment.
Issues
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Whether passive euthanasia can be allowed for Harish Rana under the Common Cause guidelines?
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Whether Primary and Secondary Medical Boards confirm that the patient’s condition is irreversible and recovery negligible?
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How the Court should consult with the family and receive assistance from counsels before passing the final order?
Held
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Final order pending, with the Court taking steps to personally meet the parents and review medical reports.
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The Court is preparing to make a decision on passive euthanasia based on medical assessments and family consultation.
Analysis
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The case applies the Common Cause 2018 guidelines for passive euthanasia, including Primary and Secondary Medical Board evaluations.
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The Court stressed the importance of personal consultation with family members before exercising the sensitive decision to allow passive euthanasia.
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It highlights the balance between preserving life under Article 21 and upholding dignity in end-of-life care.
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The case reflects the Supreme Court’s approach to prolonged vegetative states and the role of medical evidence in ethical and legal decisions.