The Allahabad High Court has sought responses from the Central Government and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on whether a legal or regulatory framework can allow dependants of patients in a coma to access money in their bank accounts for medical expenses and household needs, according to Live Law and India Legal.

A Division Bench of Justice Ajit Kumar and Justice Garima Prashad said some legislation or RBI guidelines may be necessary to create a mechanism for releasing savings-bank money to dependants in such cases. The Centre and the RBI were directed to file separate affidavits stating their positions and any proposals or existing guidelines.

The court was hearing a petition filed by Parveen Jahan concerning the savings of her husband Shamshad Ali, who was in a coma and has since died. The court noted its earlier judgment in Uma Mittal and Others v. Union of India (2020), which had called for legislation on appointing a guardian for a person in a vegetative state.

The Bench also asked Uttar Pradesh's Chief Secretary to present a concrete state-level solution, and said the petitioner could apply for succession for the amount in the deceased account holder's account. The matter is listed for further hearing on November 6. Sources: Live Law, India Legal and LawChakra.