Delhi HC Directs State Government to Appoint Members to Mental Health Authority

To bolster mental health services in the capital, the Delhi High Court has directed the Delhi government to expedite the appointment of non-official members to the Delhi Mental Health Authority. The court's order, issued today, aims to ensure the timely formation of the authority and the subsequent creation of review boards, as mandated under the Mental Health Care Act.

The Delhi Mental Health Authority, a key body under the Mental Health Care Act, is tasked with overseeing the delivery and regulation of mental health services across the city. The formation of this authority, along with the review boards, is critical to ensure the effective implementation of the Act, which outlines provisions to protect the rights of individuals with mental illness and improve access to quality care. The court's directive comes in response to two petitions seeking the enforcement of the law’s provisions, highlighting the need for the authority's constitution.

A bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela underscored the urgency of the appointments, stressing that they should not be hindered by the Model Code of Conduct for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections. The court emphasized that the process should move forward without delay to ensure that mental health services are adequately governed and that oversight mechanisms are put in place at the earliest.

The appointment of non-official members to the Delhi Mental Health Authority is a critical step in building a robust mental health care framework in Delhi. Once appointed, these members will play a vital role in guiding the authority’s operations and ensuring that the mental health needs of the city’s residents are met effectively. Furthermore, the establishment of review boards will provide an additional layer of scrutiny and accountability, helping to address challenges in the delivery of mental health services.

The Delhi High Court’s intervention aims to strengthen the mental health care system in the national capital and ensure that the provisions of the Mental Health Care Act are fully implemented. By expediting the appointment process, the court hopes to facilitate improved governance and oversight in the mental health sector, ultimately contributing to better care and support for individuals living with mental health conditions.