An elderly couple from Gujarat’s Surat has sought permission for euthanasia, claiming that years of alleged harassment by municipal officials and local political leaders have left them physically, mentally and financially devastated. The couple, who have already endured the loss of nine family members in a tragic road accident, say they have now reached a point where they see no option other than death.
Shyambhai Kapoorji Gehlot, 73, and his wife Madhuben, 68, have submitted a written appeal to the Surat District Collector, requesting permission for euthanasia. In their plea, they alleged that repeated actions by officials of the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC), including the sealing of their shops, have destroyed their financial stability and pushed them into severe emotional distress.
The couple’s suffering dates back several years, but their personal tragedy began on November 7, 2016, when nine members of their family were killed in a devastating road accident. Those who lost their lives included the couple’s only son, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, daughter, son-in-law and another relative. Since that day, Shyambhai and Madhuben have been living alone, relying solely on each other for support.
According to the Gehlots, they had purchased 11 small shops in 2006. After the area came under the jurisdiction of the Surat Municipal Corporation in 2008, they regularly paid all applicable taxes and complied with civic requirements.
However, the couple alleged that their troubles began in 2021 when the then Executive Engineer of the Surat Municipal Corporation ordered the sealing of their shops without issuing any prior notice. The action, they claim, left them with no choice but to approach the Gujarat High Court.
The legal battle continued for nearly five years. During the proceedings, a report from the fire department reportedly concluded that the small shops did not require the fire safety infrastructure and compliance measures typically mandated for larger commercial establishments. Following this assessment, the shops were reopened on January 31 this year, according to the couple.
The relief, however, was short-lived.
The Gehlots allege that shortly after securing victory in the High Court, the shops were once again sealed on May 30. This time, they claim, the action was taken on the instructions of the current Executive Engineer of the Surat Municipal Corporation.
According to the couple, no written notice was served before the sealing, nor were they provided with any official explanation or reason for the action. They maintain that despite repeatedly approaching authorities and seeking clarification, no satisfactory response was given.
Shyambhai Gehlot has further alleged that officials pressured him to meet a local BJP leader. He also claimed there was an attempt to gain control of his properties and that the repeated actions against his shops were part of a larger effort to force him into submission.
The couple says the prolonged dispute has completely exhausted them financially and emotionally. With no immediate family left and their livelihood repeatedly disrupted, they claim they have lost all hope of receiving justice.
“We have no desire left to live. If justice is not possible, death is the only option left,” Shyambhai Gehlot said in his appeal to the District Collector.
In their request, the elderly couple urged the administration to grant them permission for euthanasia, stating that they are no longer able to endure the alleged harassment and uncertainty surrounding their properties and source of income.
The case has drawn attention due to the couple’s extraordinary plea and the tragic circumstances surrounding their lives. Authorities are yet to publicly respond to the euthanasia request, while the allegations made by the couple regarding the actions of municipal officials and political pressure remain a matter of concern.
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