Why was court approval needed for life support withdrawal?

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Court Approval Was Required for Life Support Withdrawal Due to Lack of a Living Will

Court approval was necessary for the withdrawal of life support for Harish Rana because he did not possess a living will, which is a legally binding document specifying an individual's medical care preferences in the event of a terminal condition. Without such a directive, Rana could not legally provide consent for passive euthanasia. His parents consequently petitioned the court to authorise the discontinuation of his life support.
Legal Framework for Passive Euthanasia in India

India's legal framework recognised passive euthanasia in 2018, which permits the removal of life support under stringent conditions and requires judicial authorisation. This landmark ruling allowed for the natural occurrence of death by discontinuing artificial life-sustaining measures. The case of Harish Rana marks the first instance where a court in India has granted approval for the withdrawal of life support for an individual.
Harish Rana's Medical Condition and Prognosis

Harish Rana sustained severe head injuries in a fall in 2013 and has remained on life support continuously since then. The court's decision to grant the parents' request was based on observations that Rana exhibited "no meaningful interaction" and was reliant on others for all aspects of self-care. Medical professionals had previously concluded that there was virtually no possibility of recovery for Rana, who is in his early thirties.
Precedent and Public Debate Surrounding Euthanasia

The legal recognition of passive euthanasia was influenced by earlier judgments affirming the constitutional right to die with dignity, with the 2011 case of Aruna Shanbaug serving as a significant precursor. Although a plea to end Shanbaug's life was rejected, the Supreme Court's opinion in that instance laid the groundwork for the expanded 2018 ruling. Active euthanasia, involving the direct administration of substances to cause death, remains illegal in India.

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Why was court approval needed for life support withdrawal?

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