An elderly couple from Gujarat have sought permission for euthanasia, claiming they have been subjected to years of “physical, mental and financial harassment” by civil authorities and local political figures.
Shyam Gehlot, 73, and his wife Madhu, 68, recently submitted a letter to Surat District Collector Tejas Parmar, alleging that they were pushed to the brink after a long dispute over their properties, news agency PTI reported.
The couple, who originally hail from Rajasthan and now live alone in Surat’s Pandesara area, said they have been struggling for years to resolve issues related to dozens of shops they bought in what was then known as Bamroli Gram Panchayat area, which later came under the jurisdiction of the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC).
“Seek permission for euthanasia (euthanasia) due to constant unbearable physical, mental and financial harassment by the Executive Engineer of Udna South District, Surat Municipal Corporation and some political persons,” the couple wrote in their letter dated June 19.
Read also | Siya’s constant phone use, Chetan reports: Pune man’s father recalls ‘ignored red flags’ about his fiancée
The plight of the couple
Speaking to reporters, Gehlot said the dispute started in 2021 when municipal authorities closed their shops. “In 2021, without giving a reason, our stores were closed by SMC,” the agency quoted him as saying.
The couple then approached the Gujarat High Court and fought a legal battle that lasted for nearly five years.
“After the Supreme Court order, we approached the fire department to ensure fire safety in our establishments. But they told us that the measures apply only to large establishments. However, we prepared fire extinguishers and opened our stores,” he said.
Read also | Flowers, surprises and a proposal: Ketan Agarwal’s final gift to his fiancée, who is accused of killing him
The shops were reportedly opened on January 31, 2026. However, Gehlot claimed that municipal officials returned on May 30 and closed 11 of the 12 shops again without issuing any prior notice.
He further claimed that SMC executive engineer Bhairav Desai suggested that the couple meet local political leaders to resolve the issue.
Civilian official cites pending documents
Municipal authorities disputed the couple’s version of events and said the action was taken under current regulations.
Speaking to PTI, Desai said one of the properties has been reopened after approval of the required impact fees, but documents for the remaining properties are still pending.
“In 2021, his (Gehlot’s) properties were closed; however, impact fees were approved for one property, so it was opened. Gehlot is yet to submit impact fee documents for the rest of the properties,” Desai said.
He also said that there was an ongoing dispute between the couple and some local residents.
According to the official, the remaining properties can be regularized under the Gujarat Unauthorized Development Regulation (GRUDA) Act, 2022, but necessary documents must be submitted first.
The latest development comes after a devastating personal loss the couple suffered nearly a decade ago. In 2016, the Guillots lost nine members of their family in an accident. Since then, the elderly couple has been living alone in Surat.
What does euthanasia mean in india
For the unversed, euthanasia remains a highly restricted practice in India, unlike in many Western countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and Spain, as well as some parts of Canada and the United States, where it is permitted under specific legal frameworks.
Earlier this year, India witnessed its first court-approved case of passive euthanasia when the Supreme Court allowed the withdrawal of life support for 32-year-old Harish Rana, a Ghaziabad resident who had been in a coma for more than 13 years.
Rana suffered a serious head injury after falling from the fourth floor of his paid guest accommodation in Chandigarh in 2013 when he was an engineering student.
In a landmark order issued on March 11, the Supreme Court upheld Rana’s “right to die” and allowed the withdrawal of artificial life support after completing all required medical and legal procedures.
Passive euthanasia involves gradual withdrawal from life-sustaining treatment, such as artificial feeding, oxygen support and medications, while ensuring that the patient remains free of distress through pain management and palliative sedation.
(with PTI inputs)
