The Patna High Court and the Supreme Court of India have recently issued significant rulings that address pressing issues regarding property rights and cultural heritage in Bihar. The Patna High Court has intervened in a case concerning the eviction of a Mahadalit woman from her settlement in Begusarai district, while the Supreme Court has struck down a controversial law aimed at acquiring a historic library and research institute in Patna.

Patna High Court’s Intervention

On March 10, 2026, the Patna High Court directed the Bihar government to halt the eviction of Saroj Devi, a Mahadalit woman, from her home. This decision came as the court sought clarification from the state regarding the Bihar Land Encroachment Act of 1956. The court’s order emphasized the need for further examination before any eviction could proceed, highlighting the legal complexities surrounding land rights for marginalized communities.

Supreme Court’s Ruling on Library Acquisition

In a separate yet equally impactful ruling, the Supreme Court of India declared a Bihar law aimed at acquiring the Srimati Radhika Sinha Institute and Sachchidananda Sinha Library as manifestly arbitrary and in violation of Article 14 of the Constitution. Established in 1924 by Sachchidanand Sinha in memory of his wife, Radhika Sinha, the library has been a significant cultural and educational institution in the region.

Details of the Controversial Law

The law, enacted in 2015, allowed the state to take over the library for a token compensation of just one rupee. The Supreme Court found this provision to be confiscatory and lacking in fairness, stating, “A statutory provision that enables acquisition of property while reducing compensation to a token amount lacks the basic attributes of fairness.” This ruling restored the management and administration rights of the library to its trustees, reversing the effects of the 2015 Act.

Historical Context of the Library

The Srimati Radhika Sinha Institute and Sachchidananda Sinha Library was established with personal funds from Sachchidanand Sinha, who contributed approximately 50,000 rupees from the sale of ancestral property and donated 10,000 volumes to its collection. The library has served as a vital resource for scholars and the public alike, making the Supreme Court’s ruling a significant victory for cultural preservation.

Implications of the Rulings

The implications of these rulings extend beyond the immediate cases. The Patna High Court’s decision to halt the eviction reflects a growing recognition of the rights of marginalized communities, particularly Mahadalits, in Bihar. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court’s rejection of the arbitrary acquisition of the library underscores the importance of protecting cultural heritage and ensuring fair compensation in property disputes.

What Comes Next?

As these legal battles unfold, the future of both the Mahadalit community’s housing rights and the management of the historic library remains uncertain. The Patna High Court’s request for clarification from the Bihar government indicates that further legal scrutiny is likely. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court’s ruling has set a precedent for how similar cases may be handled in the future, emphasizing the need for fairness and constitutional adherence in property laws.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the next steps the Bihar government will take in response to the Patna High Court’s ruling, as well as how the library’s management will proceed following the Supreme Court’s decision.

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On March 11, 2026, the Supreme Court of India made a pivotal ruling allowing the withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment for Harish Rana, a 32-year-old man who has been in a permanent vegetative state for over 13 years following a fall from the fourth floor of his accommodation.

This decision marks the first practical implementation of the passive euthanasia guidelines established by the Supreme Court in its 2018 Common Cause judgment. The ruling clarified that clinically administered nutrition qualifies as a form of medical treatment that can be withdrawn.

Harish Rana’s parents initially approached the Delhi High Court in July 2024 seeking permission for passive euthanasia, but their request was rejected. The Supreme Court upheld this decision in August 2024, stating that withdrawing treatment would amount to active euthanasia, which is illegal in India.

In December 2025, the Supreme Court directed the constitution of a Primary Medical Board to assess Harish Rana’s condition, followed by an order for AIIMS New Delhi to form a Secondary Medical Board for a final assessment.

The Supreme Court emphasized that the key question is whether continuing life-sustaining treatment serves the patient’s best interest. The ruling allows for the withdrawal of life support to be conducted in a dignified manner.

Justice JB Pardiwala remarked, “His family never left his side…to love someone is to care for them even in the darkest times.” This sentiment reflects the emotional weight of the case, as Harish Rana’s family has been steadfast in their support throughout his ordeal.

The Supreme Court also recommended that the Union Government bring comprehensive legislation regarding passive euthanasia, indicating a potential shift in the legal landscape surrounding end-of-life care in India.

In the context of Indian law, the Aruna Shanbaug case led to the 2011 Supreme Court ruling that legalized passive euthanasia, setting a precedent for cases like Harish Rana’s.

As the situation develops, the implications of this ruling could resonate widely, influencing future legal and ethical discussions surrounding medical treatment and patient rights in India.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the immediate next steps following the Supreme Court’s decision, but the ruling has already sparked discussions about the future of passive euthanasia in the country.

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