Plea Moved In Delhi HC Seeking Setting Up of Counseling Centres To Address Mental Health Issues Arising Out of Lockdown

A plea has been filed in the Delhi High Court seeking setting up of counseling centres in Delhi to address the psychological/mental health issues arising out of lockdown and COVID19.

Filed by Advocate Sunil Kumar, the petition seeks a direction to be issued to the Delhi Government to set up counseling centres and helpline numbers to provide psychological counseling to people who are facing mental health issues due to lockdown.

The Petitioner also wants the Delhi Government to put the material of such counseling on its website, along with the list of such counseling centres.

The Petitioner has argued that the lockdown has affected the public adversely, leading to rise in aggravated mental health issues which manifest themselves in fights and suicidal tendencies.

While highlighting the rising cases of suicides and disputes, the Petitioner has submitted that both the Union as well as the Delhi Government has not done enough to address the psychological consequences of the lockdown and COVID19.

The Petitioner, while mentioning that he himself had to seek professional help to deal with mental health issues arising out of lockdown, states that:

'It has also been noted that many people have committed suicide due to the financial and other impacts of lock down & Covid-19 as they failed to tackle the Psychological issues independently. The

Petitioner very strongly believe that no person should commit suicide in lack of Counseling as the State is duty bound to protect the life and liberty of an individual.'

Therefore, the Petitioner not only wants the Delhi Government to set up such counseling centres, but also to advertise the counseling material in television and print media.