Andhra Pradesh High Court Appoints Wife as Guardian of Husband in Vegetative State

The Andhra Pradesh High Court appointed a wife as the legal guardian of her husband, who was in a persistent vegetative/comatose state, and permitted her to operate his bank accounts for medical treatment and household expenses.

The Court observed that a wife is “naturally suited” to act as guardian in such circumstances and noted the absence of any specific statutory mechanism governing guardianship for persons in a vegetative state.

Exercising its jurisdiction under Article 226 and the doctrine of parens patriae, the Court held that humanitarian considerations required immediate intervention.

It also directed that the funds be utilised strictly for the patient’s treatment and family welfare.

[Singavaram Nagamma v. The State of Andhra Pradesh]