Supreme Court Demands Progress in Mental Health Governance

The Supreme Court has asked the Centre to update it on the status of the Central and State Mental Health Authorities and the Mental Health Review Board. The court criticized the chaining of mentally ill individuals as inhumane and violating their constitutional rights, highlighting the need for statutory oversight.

The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to update it on the establishment and functioning of mental health bodies, namely the Central Mental Health Authority, State Mental Health Authority, and the Mental Health Review Board.

On February 7, Justices P S Narasimha and Prashant Kumar Mishra instructed additional solicitor general Aishwarya Bhati to submit a comprehensive affidavit detailing progress by March 21, stressing the need for statutory appointments.

The case, brought forth by advocate Gaurav Kumar Bansal, highlighted the inhumane treatment of mentally ill persons, such as their chaining in a faith-based asylum, in violation of the Mental Healthcare Act of 2017, underscoring their constitutional rights to dignity and liberty.