Supreme Court Orders NHRC to Oversee Faith-Based Mental Asylum Cases

In a significant move, the Supreme Court has tasked the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) with the responsibility of monitoring the health treatment of individuals in faith-based mental asylums.

A bench consisting of Justices PS Narasimha and R Mahadevan transferred a 2018 plea concerning the immediate release and treatment of such individuals to the NHRC.

The court aims for the NHRC to ensure adherence to the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, including the setup of necessary authorities and regulations.

During the session, Advocate Gaurav Bansal highlighted ongoing issues with treatment based on faith at various mental asylums.

The court has requested the NHRC to seek compliance from Central and State Mental Health Authorities regarding previous directives.

The NHRC is also asked to ensure that states fully establish relevant authorities for vibrant functioning as per law.