Ghaziabad Father Seeks Mercy Killing for Bedridden Son; SC Forms AIIMS Panel

• Ghaziabad father Ashok Rana seeks passive euthanasia for his 32-year-old son, Harish Rana, bedridden for 13 years due to quadriplegia.
• Supreme Court's bench of Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice KV Viswanathan formed an AIIMS panel to assess Harish's recovery chances.
• A previous committee ruled out Harish's recovery; this is the first euthanasia case in India to reach a second stage.
• India legally recognizes passive euthanasia under special circumstances, allowing withdrawal of life support with High Court permission.
• Harish's father sold his house for treatment, facing high monthly costs with limited pension, prompting the plea.

Why It Matters: A father's plea for passive euthanasia for his son highlights India's evolving mercy killing laws.