New Delhi: In India, Catholic leaders have expressed support for the high court's recent decision to reject a plea for "passive euthanasia" for a 30-year-old man who has been in a vegetative state for over a decade. The verdict was delivered on August 25 by a bench led by Chief Justice Dhananjaya Chandrachud.

Archbishop Raphy Manjaly of the Archdiocese of Agra, who is also the chairman of the doctrinal commission of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India, commended the court for its clear stance on upholding the sanctity of life. "We are extremely pleased that the court has reinforced the sacredness of life while calling for support for the struggling family," Manjaly said on August 26.

The case involves a young man who suffered a severe injury in 2013, leading to a persistent vegetative state. His parents had previously sought euthanasia, citing financial and emotional strain. The Delhi High Court had already rejected their request in 2021, noting that the man was not being kept alive by mechanical means.

Despite the Supreme Court's acknowledgment of the family's hardship, it ruled against passive euthanasia. The court stated that because the patient is not on life support, and his feeding is administered through a nasal tube, euthanasia cannot be permitted under current laws.

Archbishop Manjaly emphasized the need for community support, noting that while the court's decision aligns with a pro-life stance, it also recognizes the family’s crisis. He highlighted the importance of compassionate care, drawing parallels with the case of Aruna Shanbaug, who was cared for by the nursing community for 41 years before her death in 2015.

The Catholic Church continues to advocate for care and compassion for those in difficult situations, reflecting its commitment to supporting the vulnerable and upholding the dignity of life.