SC adds NHRC to PIL for law on mental health care
A bench comprising Justices P S Narasimha and Atul S Chandurkar asked petitioner Gaurav Kumar Bansal to file an application to make rights body NHRC a party to the PIL filed in 2018.
The bench said the PIL may be transferred to the NHRC for implementing the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017.
Bansal said a committee headed by a former apex court judge could be set up to oversee the implementation.
"We cannot create a parallel mechanism just because the existing system has any flaws," the bench said.
The bench, in the meantime, asked Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, representing the Centre, to share its affidavit with Bansal and posted the hearing after three weeks.
The bench had previously said Parliament enacted the Mental Healthcare Act in 2017 which contemplates establishment of "Central Mental Health Authority (CMHA), State Mental Health Authority (SMHA) and Mental Health Review Board (MHRB)".
The top court on March 2 directed Centre to file an affidavit indicating the establishment and functioning of the Central Mental Health Authority, State Mental Health Authority and Mental Health Review Board.
The affidavit was further ordered to show the statutory and mandatory appointments to the authority and the review board.
On January 3, 2019, the apex court issued notices to the Centre, all states and Union Territories on the petition which has claimed that non-implementation of provisions of the Act by the states and UTs was a gross violation of life and liberty of the citizens.
Taking note of an incident, the bench said chaining people with mental illness was violative of their rights under Article 21 of the Constitution, which deals with life and personal liberty, and their dignity cannot be compromised.
The PIL argued persons with mental illnesses were chained in a faith-based mental asylum in Budaun district of Uttar Pradesh in violation of provisions of the Mental Health Care Act 2017.
The court examined the photos of such patients calling it a matter of great concern.
The PIL said chaining a person suffering from mental illness was a blatant violation of a provision of the 2017 Act which says that every such person shall not only have a right to live with dignity but he or she shall be protected from cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment.
Referring to the National Mental Health Survey 2016, he has claimed that around 14 per cent of India's population requires active mental health interventions and around 2 per cent Indians were suffering from severe mental disorders.>
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
2 hours ago
- Indian Express
Don't agree LoP should go with CM to seek funds from Centre: HP Gov
Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla Thursday said that he doesn't agree with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu that Leader of Opposition (LoP) Jai Ram Thakur should go along with the CM to get aid from the central government in Delhi. 'Then why did CM Sukhu not take LoP with him when he went to meet senior Union ministers, including Home Minister Amit Shah, in Delhi last week?' Shukla said while interacting with the media. 'I don't agree with such statements that LoP should go with government leadership to seek assistance from the central government. Central government always gives financial assistance to Himachal Pradesh and other states whenever need arises. There are ministers, including Deputy Chief Minister, PWD and Urban Development Minister and others who said that whenever required, they bring assistance from the Centre. Then what is the point in saying that the Centre is not giving assistance to Himachal Pradesh?' On the prevailing drug issue in the state, Shukla said, 'The kind of response which is expected from the state government and its representatives, especially MLAs, against the drug menace is lacking on the ground. The anti-drug campaigns, which are being witnessed on the ground, are the results of efforts of people, gram panchayats and a push from the Governor House on the ground.' He also expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of government rehabilitation centres. 'There is only one Red Cross-run drug rehabilitation centre in Kullu. We have been hearing about identification of land for setting up one in Sirmaur but nothing is moving on the ground. This shows the seriousness of the government,' he said. 'The state government should have moved forward to open rehab centres. For a long time, they have been saying that land has been identified and funds have been allocated, but nothing concrete has been done. If this situation continues, Himachal could turn into 'Udta Himachal,' and our generations will suffer.' 'The Government of India has decided to include the efforts being made in Himachal Pradesh against drug abuse in its national programmes. This is both the inspiration of the Prime Minister and my own resolve to make Himachal drug-free.' The Governor said that Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya had announced that these initiatives would be adopted nationwide. 'A proposal called 'Kashi Sankalp' has been passed, which will now go across the country, and I am pleased that the programmes initiated by the Governor of Himachal Pradesh are part of this,' Shukla noted. 'Awareness is rising. Parents who earlier ignored their children's drug use are now proactive. Panchayats are informing police about suppliers, and the number of NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) cases has increased significantly.' According to official data, NDPS cases in the state have increased from 500 in 2012 to over 2,200 in 2023. Citing a survey of 1,150 inmates, Shukla said that drug abuse is highest among individuals aged 15–30. 'Awareness is the key to reducing demand. If Punjab's government is taking steps, Himachal must act seriously,' he said. The Governor urged all political leaders to unite against drug abuse. 'I have written to Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, Education Minister Rohit Thakur, and other ministers, requesting them to raise awareness and take action at all levels,' he said. Shukla said that he will take up the matter of rave parties in Kullu-Manali with Director General of Police (DGP) Ashok Tewari. He said this was recently brought to his notice. Many NGOs and green activists filed a PIL in the Himachal Pradesh High Court, seeking a crackdown on the rave parties, especially held in the dense forest areas of Kullu district. Unpleasant moments were witnessed when a personnel of local Criminal Investigation Department (CID) was found sitting among media persons when Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla was interacting with the media at Raj Bhavan. The security staff of the Raj Bhavan called him outside the hall where the interaction was going on and reprimanded him.
News18
3 hours ago
- News18
Mizoram CM inaugurates trauma care facility at Aizawl Civil Hospital
Aizawl, Jul 24 (PTI) Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Thursday inaugurated a trauma care facility at Aizawl Civil Hospital, marking a major step forward in strengthening emergency healthcare in the state. The facility was constructed at the cost of over Rs 5.7 crore, of which Rs 1.21 crore was funded by the Centre, according to officials. The facility includes a reception and triage area, treatment and observation rooms, imaging (X-ray/CT scan), a minor OT/resuscitation room, and rooms for medical staffers, they said. Speaking on the occasion, Lalduhoma said that the facility will serve as a vital centre for timely trauma response and critical care for the people. He stated that the government was also undertaking further expansion of the hospital, including the construction of new blocks A and B at an estimated cost of Rs 88.33 crore. Additional services such as cardiac care, kidney dialysis, and IVF will also be introduced to meet growing healthcare demands, he said. The chief minister said that Mizoram's doctors are highly skilled, and the government is committed to providing the facilities and infrastructure they need to deliver effective care, particularly for economically weaker sections. He also assured that the trauma care facility will continue to be upgraded based on practical needs and feedback from health professionals. Health Minister Lalrinpuii reaffirmed the department's dedication to advancing health services and thanked the chief minister for his continued support. Aizawl Civil Hospital Trauma Facility construction had been delayed due to a land dispute and the COVID-19 pandemic. It is one of seven trauma care facilities established across Mizoram. PTI CORR ACD view comments First Published: July 24, 2025, 20:00 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Time of India
From 'OUT INDIA' to 'WELCOME INDIA'. What changed for Muizzu in Maldives?
News • 2 days ago Jagdeep Dhankhar has suddenly resigned as Vice President, effective immediately, citing health concerns – two years before his term was set to end. This shocking move, coming right after the Monsoon Session began, has sparked intense speculation. Was it truly health-related, or was there more to his abrupt exit? Known for his outspoken views and frequent clashes with the judiciary and opposition, Dhankhar's tenure was tumultuous. From questioning Supreme Court rulings to allowing a motion for Justice Yashwant Varma's removal (after wads of cash were found at his home), his actions often stirred controversy. Now, the focus shifts to who will be the next Vice President of India. Names like Rajya Sabha deputy chairman Harivansh Singh are in the running, but social media is abuzz with other possibilities, from Nitish Kumar to Shashi Tharoor. The Constitution mandates that the vacancy must be filled "as soon as possible."
