Farmer’s Euthanasia Protest in Rajasthan Costs Him ₹9.91 Lakh: Know Why and What Euthanasia Is

Jhunjhunu (The Uttam Hindu): In an unusual turn of events, a farmer from Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu district, who had been demanding euthanasia, has been slapped with a fine of Rs 9.91 lakh by the police. This fine comes after a police operation was carried out to prevent his self-immolation protest. The incident dates back to December 10, when farmer Vidhyadhar Yadav and his family staged a protest by sitting on a funeral pyre, demanding euthanasia.

Their protest stemmed from a dispute with Shree Cement Company over unpaid compensation for their land. To prevent any tragic outcome, authorities mobilized an extensive police force, incurring considerable costs. Citing an order from the Rajasthan government, Jhunjhunu’s SP Sharad Chowdhary issued a notice to Yadav. According to the notice, the protest required the deployment of 99 police personnel, including an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) and two Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), along with official vehicles, which placed a financial burden on the state.

The notice demands that Yadav pay Rs 9,91,577 to the accounts branch of the SP office by December 24. If the amount is not paid by then, legal action will be pursued as per the rules. This is reportedly the first time that Rajasthan Police has issued such a notice in connection with preventing euthanasia or self-immolation. Earlier, the protest had led Shree Cement Company to agree to pay Rs 3 crore as compensation. However, the fine has left Vidhyadhar Yadav and his family shocked.

What is Euthanasia?

Euthanasia is the practice of intentionally ending a person's life to relieve suffering, particularly in cases of terminal illness or severe pain. It can be voluntary, where a person requests it; non-voluntary, where consent cannot be given; or involuntary, which is illegal. Euthanasia can also be active, involving direct action to cause death, or passive, involving the withdrawal of treatment. The legality of euthanasia varies by country, with some allowing it under strict conditions, while others prohibit it entirely. The topic raises significant ethical debates about individual autonomy, compassion, and the moral implications of ending a life.