New Delhi, March 25 (NationPress) The final ceremonies for Harish Rana, recognized as the first individual in India to receive approval for passive euthanasia, were held on Wednesday at the Green Park cremation ground in New Delhi.

Rana, who had been in a vegetative state for over 13 years, passed away at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, on Tuesday.

His siblings, Ashish Rana and Bhavna, conducted the final rites.

Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai was present to support the grieving family.

"The family is indeed in a very tragic situation, and today, after 13 years, they were unable to save their loved one. Harish Rana also donated five organs upon his passing, becoming an inspiration to many. I express my gratitude to his family for their commendable actions," Rai stated to IANS.

"The entire Congress party stands in solidarity with the family during this challenging period," he added.

The 31-year-old had been in a permanent vegetative state since 2013 due to a severe head injury. He was moved from his residence in Ghaziabad to the palliative care unit at the Dr B.R. Ambedkar Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital at AIIMS on March 14, where the procedure to withdraw life-sustaining treatment was conducted under court guidelines.

Earlier this month, on March 11, the Supreme Court permitted passive euthanasia for Rana, allowing the cessation of life support under strict medical oversight. A Bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K.V. Viswanathan ruled that the medical board could apply its clinical judgment in accordance with the principles established in the landmark 2018 judgment in Common Cause vs Union of India, which legitimized passive euthanasia and living wills.

Following a plea filed by Rana's family, the apex court ordered his admission to AIIMS for end-of-life care, acknowledging that he was suffering from 100 percent disability, quadriplegia, and required constant aid for breathing and feeding through medical tubes.

Medical evaluations conducted by expert panels determined that Rana's condition was irreversible, with minimal chances of recovery. He relied on a tracheostomy tube for respiration and a gastrostomy tube for nourishment.

The case originated from a petition submitted by Rana's parents to the Delhi High Court, seeking permission for passive euthanasia. The High Court had initially denied relief, prompting the family to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court.

During prior hearings, the apex court examined alternative options, including home-based medical care, following the Union government's proposal for nursing support, physiotherapy, and free medications. However, the family subsequently returned to the Supreme Court, citing a decline in Rana's condition and a lack of improvement despite extensive treatment.

After reserving its verdict in January, the Supreme Court's ruling allowing passive euthanasia represents a pivotal moment in India's evolving legal and ethical discussions regarding end-of-life care.

This resolution brings to an end a protracted legal and medical battle faced by his family, while also shedding light on the complexities surrounding passive euthanasia in India.