Elderly Surat Couple Seeks Euthanasia Permission

A senior citizen couple from Surat, Gujarat, has appealed to the district administration for permission to undergo euthanasia, alleging continuous harassment by municipal authorities and local political leaders. Shyam Gehlot (73) and Madhuben (68), who originally migrated from Rajasthan, submitted a representation to the District Collector claiming that prolonged administrative and legal troubles have left them distressed and helpless.

The couple had purchased 12 commercial shops in 2006 under the Bamroli Gram Panchayat limits. Following the merger of the area with the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC), disputes regarding property regularization emerged. Authorities sealed the shops in 2021, prompting the couple to approach the High Court, where they secured relief after a five-year legal battle. Although the seals were removed in January 2026 following court orders, the shops were reportedly sealed again in May without prior notice. While the couple alleges unfair treatment and pressure from officials, SMC authorities maintain that certain impact fee-related documents are yet to be submitted, which remains the reason for the ongoing action.