An elderly couple from Surat has sought permission for euthanasia, alleging that repeated sealing of their shops by civic authorities has left them without a source of income and pushed them into severe financial and mental distress.
In a representation submitted to the District Collector, Shyambhai Gehlot and his wife Madhuben Gehlot, residents of Pandesara, claimed that their shops in the Bamroli area were sealed unjustly and that they have been subjected to harassment by municipal officials and influential local individuals.
According to the couple, 11 shops situated on their property were first sealed by municipal authorities in 2021. They challenged the action in court, and the matter eventually reached the Gujarat High Court. The civic body had reportedly cited fire safety concerns as the reason for the action.
The couple stated that after complying with the required norms and completing the necessary procedures, the seals were removed in January 2026. However, they alleged that the shops were sealed again on May 30, 2026, without prior notice or a valid explanation, depriving them of their only means of livelihood.
In their petition, the Gehlots said they have been living in isolation after losing nine family members in a tragic accident and that the renewed sealing of the shops has worsened their financial hardships and emotional suffering.
Claiming that they are unable to cope with the ongoing situation and alleged administrative harassment, the couple stated that euthanasia was the only option left before them. They have appealed to the authorities to consider their request on humanitarian grounds.
The application also contains allegations against former zonal officer Sujal Prajapati and current Executive Engineer Bhairav Desai. The couple further alleged that influential persons, including Shetansingh Rathod and local BJP leader Narpatsinh, exerted pressure that led to the sealing of the shops.
Municipal authorities had not issued an official response to the allegations at the time of reporting.