Justice Chandrachud Orders Government Aid for Family After Son’s 13-Year Health Crisis

Justice Chandrachud's last working day: DY This comes after the intervention of former Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, on his last working day. Harish's parents, who have struggled financially to provide for his care, had sought permission from the Supreme Court to pursue passive euthanasia.

The Family's Struggles

Harish's tragic accident occurred when he fell from a fourth-floor window while studying in Mohali, leading to a traumatic head injury and quadriplegia. For over a decade, his parents, Ashok Rana (62) and Nirmala Devi (55), have faced financial hardships while providing 24/7 care for him. The cost of ongoing medical treatment and life support has placed a heavy burden on the family, leading them to approach the Supreme Court for help.

Request for Passive Euthanasia

Due to their inability to afford Harish’s care, the Ranas petitioned the Supreme Court for permission to withdraw their son’s life support, a process known as passive euthanasia. Passive euthanasia involves stopping artificial life support, allowing the patient to pass away naturally without any active intervention.

Supreme Court's Intervention

Justice DY Chandrachud addressed the family's plea on his last working day. He directed the Uttar Pradesh government to find a solution to cover the costs of Harish’s medical care. This was a significant relief for the family, as they could not continue paying for his treatment.

Government’s Plan for Care

Justice Chandrachud also reviewed a detailed care plan for Harish’s treatment submitted by the government. According to the Centre report, the Uttar Pradesh government would now provide home care services for Harish, including regular visits from physiotherapists, dieticians, and on-call medical officers and nurses. The government would also bear the cost of all necessary medications and medical supplies.

Alternative Care Options

Justice Chandrachud also pointed out that if home care became unsuitable for Harish, he could be moved to the district hospital in Noida, where more specialized care would be available. After hearing this, the Rana family agreed to the government’s plan and withdrew their plea for passive euthanasia.

Legal Background on Euthanasia

In a previous ruling, the Delhi High Court had denied a request for active euthanasia, explaining that Harish could still survive in a coma with the help of life support. Active euthanasia, where a person intentionally causes the death of another, is illegal in India. The High Court referred to a 2018 ruling by the Supreme Court that allowed passive euthanasia in specific circumstances. The ruling made it clear that while patients can refuse life-saving treatment, active euthanasia remains prohibited.

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Summary

Harish Rana, a 30-year-old man, has been in a vegetative state for more than 13 years after suffering a severe head injury. This injury occurred when he fell from a fourth-floor window while studying in Mohali, which left him with permanent brain damage and quadriplegia (paralysis of all four limbs). His parents, Ashok Rana (62) and Nirmala Devi (55), have been struggling financially for years to provide the constant medical care and support Harish needs. Unable to afford the mounting medical expenses, the family asked the Supreme Court of India for permission to stop Harish's life support, a request for what is known as passive euthanasia. Passive euthanasia is when life support is withdrawn, allowing a patient to die naturally without direct medical intervention to end their life.

On the final working day of Justice DY Chandrachud as Chief Justice of India, he intervened in the case and provided relief to the family. Justice Chandrachud ordered the Uttar Pradesh government to find ways to cover the costs of Harish's ongoing care. This was a huge relief for the family, as they were unable to bear the financial burden of Harish's care.

The Supreme Court also reviewed a care plan submitted by the government, which included provisions for regular home visits by physiotherapists, dieticians, and on-call medical staff such as nurses and doctors. The government also promised to cover the cost of all necessary medications and medical supplies for Harish. In case home care became unsuitable in the future, Harish could be transferred to a district hospital in Noida for more intensive care. The Rana family accepted this new arrangement and, as a result, withdrew their request for passive euthanasia.

This case also referred to a 2018 Supreme Court ruling that allowed passive euthanasia under certain conditions, such as when a patient or their family chooses to withdraw life support. However, active euthanasia, where someone directly causes a person's death, remains illegal in India. The Delhi High Court had earlier rejected the idea of active euthanasia for Harish, noting that he could continue to survive in a coma with life support.