Supreme Court Seeks Central Government’s Response On Euthanasia Petition Filed By Elderly Parents

The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Central Government and requested a response regarding a petition filed by elderly parents seeking euthanasia for their 30-year-old son. The Court has directed Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati to explore options for placing the young man in a suitable and convenient facility on humanitarian grounds.

During the hearing, Chief Justice DY Chandrachud noted that since the youth has been living without external life support machines since 2013, the High Court’s previous decision to deny euthanasia appeared justifiable. The petition was submitted by Ashok Rana and his wife Nirmala Devi for their son, Harish, whose request for euthanasia was rejected by the Delhi High Court. Harish, who has been bedridden for the past 11 years due to quadriplegia, is still alive but suffers from complete disability.

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The petitioners described Harish’s condition as deteriorating, with him remaining in a bedridden state since 2013. They argued that without constant care, they are unable to manage his needs. Ashok Rana, employed at Raj Set Air Catering Limited, highlighted the financial strain of Harish’s care, which included hiring a nurse for Rs 27,000 per month—nearly equivalent to his salary at the time—and an additional Rs 14,000 for a physiotherapist.

Currently, Harish’s monthly medical expenses range from Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000, covering medicines, food, and treatment for bedsores. Rana expressed frustration over the lack of government assistance and their ongoing financial struggle. The family had previously received Rs 50,000 from a central government scheme during a hospital admission but has since struggled to afford ongoing care.

The petitioners have expressed a willingness to donate Harish’s organs to benefit others, finding some comfort in the idea that he could continue to contribute to saving lives even if not in his own body.