Passive Euthanasia Case: Supreme Court Notes Harish Rana’s Organ Donation After Peaceful Death At AIIMS
Supreme Court recorded compliance in the passive euthanasia case of Harish Rana, noting that he passed away peacefully at AIIMS in accordance with its earlier order and that his family had donated his organs in a gesture of compassion
The Supreme Court recorded compliance in the Harish Rana passive euthanasia case and acknowledged organ donation after his peaceful death at AIIMS
The Supreme Court on Wednesday took on record the compliance report in the passive euthanasia matter involving Harish Rana, noting that his life ended peacefully at AIIMS in accordance with its earlier judgment dated 11 March 2026.
Advocate Rashmi Nanda informed the Court that the death certificate had been filed and also confirmed that Harish’s organs were donated.
Justice J.B. Pardiwala specifically asked whether organ donation had taken place, to which the counsel replied that both the heart and corneas were donated, as only those organs were medically viable. An appreciation certificate in that regard was also placed before the Court.
The Court recorded that Harish was shifted from his residence to palliative care at AIIMS in compliance with its directions and passed away on 14 March 2026 at around 4 pm.
In its order, the bench also comprising of Justice KV Viswanathan observed that Harish’s final moments reflected dignity, autonomy, and comfort, adding that his passing demonstrated the importance of respecting individual choice in end-of-life care. It noted that modern medicine has limits and that prolonging life against a person’s wishes cannot always be equated with care.
The bench also observed that even in grief, Harish’s family had shown generosity by choosing organ donation, allowing his heart and corneas to benefit others.
Describing the case as one that left a deep impact, the Court remarked that the “saga of Harish” had moved many, including the judges themselves.
The bench expressed gratitude to the Director of AIIMS, doctors, and nursing staff for their care and support during Harish’s final moments. It also acknowledged the assistance of counsel Rashmi Nanda and Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati and her team for handling the sensitive matter.
The Court concluded by taking the death certificate on record, formally closing the compliance aspect of the proceedings.
Notably, on January 15, the Court had reserved its judgment on a plea seeking permission for passive euthanasia for Harish Rana. Previously, on December 18, 2025, the Court had said it wished to personally meet the parents of Harish Rana. The Bench had examined a medical report submitted by a secondary medical board from the AIIMS, detailing the patient’s condition and treatment history. Describing the report as “sad”, the Bench had observed, “We cannot keep this boy in this stage.”
Earlier, the Court had directed AIIMS, New Delhi, to constitute a Secondary Medical Board to evaluate whether life-sustaining treatment may be withdrawn for Harish Rana. The Court had acted after a team of medical experts reported that his chances of recovery were “negligible”. Harish, who suffered severe injuries over a decade ago, is dependent on a tracheostomy tube for breathing and a gastrostomy tube for nutrition.
What is Passive Euthanasia?
Passive euthanasia is the intentional withholding or withdrawing of life-sustaining medical treatment (such as ventilators, feeding tubes, or dialysis) from a terminally ill patient, allowing death to occur naturally. Unlike active euthanasia, it involves allowing nature to take its course rather than directly causing death.
Case Title: Harish Rana v. Union of India & Ors.
Bench: Justices JB Pardiwala and KV Viswanathan
Hearing Date: May 13, 2026