Ms. Aruna Ramachandra Shanbaug, a staff of KEM Hospital Mumbai was assaulted by a sweeper way back in 1973 and suffering grave injuries and brain damage she lay in bed-ridden virtually non-communicative condition for 36 years when one Ms. Pinki Virani of Mumbai, claiming to be a next friend filed a writ petition under Article 32 of the Constitution on behalf of the petitioner Aruna Ramachandra Shanbaug for Euthanasia.
It was alleged in the petition that there is not the slightest possibility of any improvement in her condition and her body lies on the bed in the KEM Hospital, Mumbai like a dead animal, and this has been the position for the last 36 years. The prayer of the petitioner is that the respondents be directed to stop feeding Aruna, and let her die peacefully.
After very detailed and thorough examination of the case, the judges dismissed the writ petition.
As parting words the judges, amongst others, commended the entire staff of KEM Hospital, Mumbai (including the retired staff) for their noble spirit and outstanding, exemplary and unprecedented dedication in taking care of Aruna for so many long years and every Indian is proud of them.