Delhi High Court has directed the State to set up adequate numbers of both long and short stay homes for people with mental illnesses. The homes are intended for those who can’t return to their homes but don’t need regular hospitalization. The court stressed the importance of taking care of the lives of all its citizens and emphasized the State’s duty to provide a safe and pleasant environment, particularly for those who may need extra attention.
The court’s jurisdiction extends to the case of a woman convict currently suffering from schizophrenia. The ruling comes as part of 65 verdicts delivered by separate division benches headed by Justice Mukta Gupta a day before her retirement. Gupta retires from Delhi High Court on Tuesday at the age of 62.
The ruling is a welcome one, particularly given the ongoing struggles many people have been experiencing with mental health across the world. This directive is expected to have wide-reaching implications for people in need of extended care.
It’s not uncommon for people with mental illness who require extra attention to be left without the support and help they need. In many cases, their conditions worsen as they struggle to cope without the right infrastructure around them. It is hoped that this ruling will provide a new start for thousands of people, as well as ensuring that wider attention is focused on the urgent need for more mental health awareness.
The State has been given a clear mandate, and it should be expected to follow through in ensuring that these homes are established as soon as possible. There is no doubt that this is a positive step forward in addressing the complex needs of people with mental health conditions. The issue of mental health is already being discussed more openly across the world, and the ruling from Delhi High Court is indicative of the wider focus that needs to be given to this area. We hope that this directive will pave the way for further progress on this important issue.
