Supreme Court Allows Life Support Withdrawal for Harish Rana
Supreme Court Allows Withdrawal of Life Support for Coma Patient Harish Rana
Supreme Court Permits Withdrawal of Life Support
The Supreme Court permitted the withdrawal of life support for Harish Rana, a patient who remained in a coma for 13 years following a severe accident. The decision came after his parents approached the court seeking permission for compassionate death.
Following the court’s approval, life support provided to Harish Rana was withdrawn at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi. The development marked the end of a prolonged medical struggle that began more than a decade ago.
The case drew attention due to the long duration of his medical condition and the sustained care provided by his family during those years.
An accident in 2013 led to a severe brain injury
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Harish Rana was a final-year BTech student in Civil Engineering at Punjab University in Chandigarh at the time of the incident. He was described as a merit student pursuing his studies when the accident occurred.
On August 20, 2013, which coincided with the festival of Raksha Bandhan, he reportedly fell accidentally from the fourth floor of a paying guest (PG) building in Chandigarh, where he was staying.
The fall caused severe brain damage, identified as Diffuse Axonal Injury. Following the accident, he entered a permanent vegetative state and remained completely unresponsive, with doctors assessing his disability at 100 percent.
Thirteen-Year Medical Struggle
Since the accident, Harish Rana has remained under prolonged medical care. His parents, Nirmala Devi and Ashok Rana, continued to support and care for him throughout the 13-year period.
The family reportedly made significant personal sacrifices during this time. They even sold their house while continuing efforts to provide medical care and support for their son.
Despite the long period of treatment and care, his condition did not improve, and he remained in a permanent vegetative state.
Parents Approach the Supreme Court
Unable to see their son continue in prolonged suffering, Harish Rana’s parents approached the Supreme Court seeking permission for compassionate death. They requested the court to allow withdrawal of life support, citing his irreversible medical condition.
After considering the request, the Supreme Court allowed the withdrawal of life support. The decision was implemented at AIIMS in Delhi, bringing an end to the prolonged medical support system that had sustained him for years.
The case has drawn attention to issues surrounding prolonged medical care, irreversible brain injury, and legal provisions related to compassionate death in India.
