New Delhi, May 13 (IANS). The Supreme Court on Wednesday praised the family of 31-year-old Harish Rana. The court said that the decision to donate the son’s organs after his death is a great example of humanity and compassion.
The Supreme Court had given permission in March to remove life support from Harish Rana after he remained in a coma-like state for almost 13 years.
Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice K.V. Vishwanathan’s bench was told that Harish Rana died on March 24. He was admitted to the palliative care unit of AIIMS hospital in Delhi following the March 11 order of the Supreme Court.
The lawyer appearing on behalf of the family told the court that the death certificate of Harish Rana has been deposited in the record. He also told that after his death, Harish’s heart valves and corneas of eyes were donated as these organs were found eligible for donation.
The Supreme Court said that despite suffering irreparable grief, the family has done a great and selfless work by donating the organs. The court said that Harish left this world with ‘love and compassion’ and his organ donation will bring light to the lives of many people.
The court also said that extending life unnecessarily with the help of machines and tubes for a long time cannot always be considered dignified care. This case shows that even medical science has limits and it is important to respect the dignity and wishes of the person.
“This case has taught everyone a lot, including us as judges,” the bench said.
The Supreme Court directed that the death certificate of Harish Rana be preserved in the case record for three years. Also ordered to keep the AIIMS report in a sealed envelope.
The court also praised the AIIMS doctors, advocate Rashmi Nandkumar appearing for the family and Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati appearing for the central government.
The Supreme Court has asked the Central Government to file a new status report by July on compliance with the instructions given earlier in this matter.
Actually, Harish Rana suffered a serious head injury after falling from the fourth floor 13 years ago.
The medical board had said that he was in a permanent vegetative state, with 100 percent disability and complete paralysis of the body. Breathing and feeding required constant medical support and the chances of recovery were almost slim to none.
Harish’s parents had earlier filed a petition in the Delhi High Court demanding the formation of a medical board to consider passive euthanasia. After not getting relief from the High Court, the family reached the Supreme Court, where considering the medical report and condition, permission was given to withdraw the treatment.
–IANS
AMT/ABM