New Delhi: In a deeply poignant development, Harish Rana, the first person in India to be granted passive euthanasia, passed away at All India Institute of Medical Sciences on Tuesday after remaining in a coma for over 13 years.
Rana, 31, had been in a persistent vegetative state since 2013 following a tragic fall from a fourth-floor balcony at Panjab University, where he was pursuing engineering. The accident caused severe head injuries, leaving him dependent on artificial nutrition and intermittent oxygen support for over a decade.
He was admitted to the palliative care unit at AIIMS Delhi’s Dr BR Ambedkar Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital on March 14. Following medical evaluation and in line with legal directives, his nutritional support was gradually withdrawn.
In a landmark decision on March 11, the Supreme Court of India permitted passive euthanasia in Rana’s case, directing AIIMS to ensure a dignified and carefully monitored withdrawal of life support. A multidisciplinary team led by Professor Seema Mishra oversaw the process, marking the first such implementation in India.
Passive euthanasia involves withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatment, allowing a patient to die naturally.
Emotional Farewell
In the days following the court’s ruling, an emotional video surfaced showing Rana’s family bidding him a final goodbye. His mother was seen by his side, while a member of the Brahma Kumaris offered prayers and comfort, urging him to find peace.
The Rana family, known to have longstanding ties with the Brahma Kumaris, had received support from the organisation during their legal journey.
Harish Rana’s case not only underscores a family’s prolonged emotional struggle but also marks a significant moment in India’s legal and medical history, reigniting discussions around dignity in death and end-of-life care.
