The Supreme Court has recently directed the Union Government to submit a detailed affidavit outlining the establishment and operations of the Central Mental Health Authority, State Mental Health Authority, and Mental Health Review Board as mandated under the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017.

The order was issued in a writ petition filed under Article 32, requesting specific directions concerning individuals in need of mental healthcare. Since January 3, 2019, the Supreme Court has been issuing directives in this matter.

Recently, a bench comprising Justices PS Narasimha and Prashant Kumar Mishra was informed that the Parliament had enacted the Mental Healthcare Act, which provides for the establishment of these three authorities.

Taking this into consideration, the Court ordered:

"Ms. Aishwarya Bhati, learned Additional Solicitor General appears on behalf of the Union. We direct that Union of India shall file a detailed affidavit indicating the establishment and functioning of the Central Mental Health Authority, State Mental Health Authority and Mental Health Review Board. The affidavit shall also indicate the statutory and mandatory appointments to the authority and the review board. The said affidavit may be filed by 06.03.2025."

The Court will hear the matter on March 21.

Case Details: GAURAV KUMAR BANSAL v. UNION OF INDIA & ORS.|Writ Petition(s)(Civil) No(s). 1496/2018