Farewell with dignity! SC approves country's first passive euthanasia, Harish Rana's final days to be in AIIMS Delhi

NEW DELHI: “This decision may seem like a surrender, but we believe it is actually an act of profound compassion and courage” This was the court’s response in the historic verdict allowing the country's first passive euthanasia.

12 years, 6 months, and 19 days... this is the period that 32-year-old Harish Rana, a native of Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, remained in a vegetative state.

“You are not abandoning your son. You are allowing him to go with dignity. That reflects the depth of your selfless love and devotion to him. The court acknowledged the deep emotional burden this decision carries,” The court said to Rana’s parents.

The remarks of the bench comprising Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice K.V. Viswanathan, a Malayali, brought the country together to give a respectful farewell to Harish Rana. A dignified life also includes a dignified death. This is guaranteed by the Constitution. In 2018, the Constitution Bench gave legal recognition to euthanasia. The court pointed out.

#All medical devices, including feeding tubes, can be removed

#Palliative care should be ensured even when medical devices are replaced

#Withdrawal of treatment should be humane

#The dignity of the patient should be preserved

#The doctor's responsibility to the patient should be reflected

#Withdrawal of treatment should not be seen as abandonment

On August 20, 2013, Raksha Bandhan day, Harish Rana, an engineering student at Panjab University, fell from the fourth floor of a paying guest house. He suffered severe brain damage and has been bedridden ever since.

The Delhi AIIMS Palliative Care Unit is taking steps to ensure Harish Rana's painless departure. He will be admitted to AIIMS from his home in Ghaziabad. Palliative care aims to minimise pain. Apart from palliative medical specialists, primary treating physicians, nurses and hospital ethics committee members will also be involved in the process. Continuous counselling will be provided to the family members. The measures will be taken to ensure a peaceful last day for the youngster.

“I fought for my son for three years. I don't know if there are others like Harish. This verdict will benefit them too,” said Ashok Rana, father of Harish.