[Mental Health Care Act] Punjab & Haryana High Court Seeks Response From State On Plea To Establish Community Home For Persons With Mental Illnesses

The Punjab & Haryana High Court has sought response from both the states on Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed seeking directions to establish community-based group homes for persons with mental illness and to frame comprehensive guidelines as per the Mental Health Care Act, 2017.

Acting Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia and Justice Lapita Banerji issued notice to the Governments of Punjab and Haryana.

Pushpanjali Trust stated to be working in the area of mental health and disability, moved the High Court seeking directions to State authorities to take appropriate steps to establish community-based group homes for persons with mental illness and frame a comprehensive policy for the same as envisaged under section 19 (3) of "the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017" in a time-bound manner.

The plea states that according to the National Mental Health Survey, 2016 over 10% of the Indian adult population has a diagnosable mental disorder and nearly 2% of the adult population is suffering from severe mental disorders such as schizophrenia. psychoses and bipolar affective disorder.

Referring to a survey conducted by the Department of Psychiatry Government Medical College Hospital, Chandigarh, coordinated by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, the plea states that the number of persons with severe mental illness in the state of Punjab who need support services "runs into a few lakhs."

The plea states that "the purpose of facilitating the setting up of Group Homes for the ill persons is that requisite care may be mentally provided to them in a humane and dignified manner through community support."

State Authorities have failed to fulfil their responsibilities and duties under the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, as well as the Constitution of India, it added.

In light of the above, the petitioner sought directions to implement the Mental HealthCare Act, of 2017.

The matter is listed for July 31, for further consideration.

Adv Anjali Sheoran, M/s Vaakya Legal for petitioner.

Ad. AG Saurav Khurana for Punjab.

Title: Pushpanjali Trust v. State of Punjab & Ors.