3 min readMar 29, 2026 08:55 PM ISTCongress MLA Malender Rajan speaking in the House during the Zero Hour.The sensitive issue of passive euthanasia came to the Himachal Pradesh Assembly during Zero Hour on Saturday, as Congress MLA Malender Rajan urged the state government to deliberate on a policy framework in light of the case of Harish Rana, the first Indian to get a nod for passive euthanasia, who died after 13 years in a coma on March 24.The MLA from Indora in Kangra district referred to Rana’s case, which had drawn national attention after the Supreme Court permitted passive euthanasia, allowing withdrawal of life support under strict legal safeguards.Rana’s family has a connection with Paleta village in Jaisingpur sub-division of Kangra district. His grandparents were shifted to Ghaziabad and Delhi in the early 70s.Citing the humanitarian dimension of the issue, Rajan asked whether the state government was considering any mechanism or guidelines to address similar cases in Himachal Pradesh, particularly to support families facing such circumstances. The MLA also asked the government to check whether there are similar cases like Harish Rana in Himachal. “If yes, does the state government plan to communicate with the central government on these issues?” Rajan sought to know during Zero Hour.Also Read | Sukhu economics: In cash-strapped Himachal, Congress CM’s twin response to fiscal strainThe intervention prompted a cautious response from both Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania and Health Minister Dr (Col) Dhani Ram Shandil, who acknowledged the sensitivity and ethical complexity surrounding euthanasia. They expressed concern over the implications of adopting any such policy at the state level, indicating that the matter required careful legal and medical consideration.Harish Rana had reportedly been in a prolonged vegetative state following a severe medical condition, leaving his family in prolonged emotional and financial distress. The apex court’s decision was seen as a reaffirmation of the principles laid down in the landmark judgment, which legalised passive euthanasia and living wills under defined conditions.Other issuesMeanwhile, raising an issue concerning higher education infrastructure in his constituency, BJP MLA Surinder Shourie flagged concerns over two degree colleges in his area, alleging the presence of surplus teaching staff and seeking rationalisation to ensure optimal utilisation of resources.Story continues below this adBJP MLA Jeet Ram Katwal raised the issue of low manpower in a recently established temporary police post in his area. Congress MLA Anuradha Rana raised the issue of one principal looking after around seven-eight schools in her Lahaul & Spiti Assembly constituency.Congress MLA Sudharshan Babloo from Chintpurni raised the issue of an SDO-rank officer, who doesn’t listen to the grievances of the general public and even declined to attend his phone calls.Saurabh Parashar is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, primarily responsible for the publication’s coverage of Himachal Pradesh. He is a seasoned journalist with over 17 years of experience in print media, specializing in crime, legal affairs, and investigative reporting. Professional Background Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (Hisar) and a Law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. This legal background significantly informs his reporting on complex judicial and administrative matters. Career Path: Before joining The Indian Express in 2017, he spent 12 years with The Times of India. Core Beats: His primary focus is the socio-political landscape of the hill state, with a specific emphasis on the environment, forest conservation, drug menace (specifically "Chitta"), affairs related to tribal and archaeology and the unique challenges of governance in high-altitude regions. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His recent reporting highlights the critical intersection of policy, law, and social safety in Himachal Pradesh: 1. "Himachal’s battle against Chitta: Why the border areas are most vulnerable" (Late 2025): An investigative look at the transit routes from Punjab and the impact on local youth. 2. "Shimla ropeway clears key hurdle as 820 trees face the axe :According to the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 assessment, 47.21 percent of Shimla’s 5,131 sq km geographical area is under forest cover (Nov 17, 2025). 3. "Himachal to handover 2.7427 ha of non-forest land for Shimla Ropeway: Given the land’s non-forest nature, RTDC and the state will not require permission from MoEFCC" (Nov 18, 2025) 4. "How the centuries-old Jodidara tradition is fading in Himachal’s Trans-Giri region: Jodidara: a form of fraternal polyandry—has long been part of Hatti tribal culture in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Uttarakhand. It is believed to have evolved to prevent division of ancestral land and maintain unity among brothers in the harsh, mountainous terrain" (Aug 18, 2025) Legal & Agricultural Affairs "Kisan Sabha hails SC’s setting aside Himachal HC order to remove orchards from forest land" (Dec 18, 2025): Covering a major Supreme Court victory for farmers, where a High Court order to remove fruit-bearing apple orchards was overturned. "Himachal Cabinet nod to new tourism policy; focus on home-stays in tribal areas" (Dec 11, 2025): Detailing the legislative push to decentralize tourism and bring economic benefits to Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. 3. Governance & Environment "Forest rights and development: Why Himachal is seeking more leeway from Centre" (Dec 19, 2025): Reporting on the legal hurdles faced by the state in infrastructure projects due to the Forest Conservation Act. "Cloudbursts and resilience: How Himachal’s remote villages are building back better" (Nov 2025): Following up on the long-term rehabilitation efforts after monsoon-related disasters. Crime especially cyber crimes, crypto currency etc: crypto currency: "Agents in uniform, motivational speeches, lavish parties: How a Himachal crypto con went unnoticed:A serial conman, a ‘Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award winner', and retired policemen got together to pull off a Rs 1,740-crore fraud" (Nov 10, 2023) Signature Beats Saurabh is recognized for his tenacious reporting on the state's drug epidemic. His deep familiarity with the topography and tribal culture of Himachal allows him to report from remote locations like Spiti, Pangi, Shillai, which are often overlooked by national media. His legal expertise makes him a primary choice for covering the Himachal Pradesh High Court on issues ranging from local body elections to environmental PILs. X (Twitter): @saurabh_prashar . ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:Himachal Pradesh