Why a Surat Elderly Couple Is Seeking Euthanasia After Years of Legal Battles

A 73-year-old man and his 68-year-old wife from Gujarat's Surat have sought permission for euthanasia, alleging prolonged physical, mental and financial harassment by officials of the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) and local political leaders. The couple has written to the District Collector, claiming repeated sealing of their shops has left them financially ruined and emotionally exhausted.

Shyambhai Kapoorji Gehlot and his wife Madhuben said they have been living alone since a tragic road accident in 2016 claimed the lives of nine family members, including their only son, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, daughter, son-in-law and another relative. They claim the latest dispute over their properties has pushed them to a breaking point. Supreme Court Allows Passive Euthanasia for 31-Year-Old Ghaziabad Man in Vegetative State for 13 Years.

Couple Claims Years of Struggle Over Commercial Properties

According to the Gehlots, they purchased 11 small shops in 2006 and continued paying taxes regularly after the area came under the jurisdiction of the Surat Municipal Corporation in 2008.

The couple alleged that in 2021, the then SMC Executive Engineer ordered the sealing of the shops without prior notice. Challenging the action, they approached the Gujarat High Court and fought a legal battle that lasted nearly five years. Harish Rana Case: Supreme Court Allows Passive Euthanasia for Man in Coma for 13 Years in Landmark Judgment.

Shops Reopened After High Court Battle

The couple said their shops were reopened on January 31 this year following a fire department report. According to their claim, the report concluded that the small shops did not require the kind of fire safety measures applicable to larger commercial establishments. The reopening came after years of litigation and was viewed by the couple as a significant legal victory.

Fresh Sealing Sparks New Dispute

However, the Gehlots alleged that the relief was short-lived. They claim the shops were sealed again on May 30, allegedly on the instructions of the incumbent Executive Engineer.

According to the couple, no written notice or explanation was provided before the action was taken. Shyambhai Gehlot alleged that officials pressured him to meet a local BJP leader and claimed there was an attempt to take control of his properties. He further alleged that despite repeatedly seeking answers, authorities failed to provide any written justification for the sealing.

Euthanasia Plea Submitted to Collector

In their appeal to the District Collector, the elderly couple said they are no longer able to cope with the alleged harassment. “We have no desire left to live. If justice is not possible, death is the only option left,” Shyambhai Gehlot said in his representation. The couple has requested permission for euthanasia, stating that they are unable to bear the alleged mental, financial and emotional distress any longer.

Personal Tragedy Adds to Family's Hardship

The dispute comes against the backdrop of a devastating personal loss suffered by the family nearly a decade ago. On November 7, 2016, nine members of the Gehlot family died in a road accident, leaving the elderly couple without their immediate family support system. Since then, they say they have depended entirely on each other while managing their affairs and legal challenges.

The couple's allegations have now been placed before the district administration through their formal appeal. Authorities have not publicly commented on the claims outlined in the representation.

The matter is likely to draw attention as officials review the allegations regarding the sealing of the properties and the couple's request for euthanasia.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 23, 2026 03:32 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).