Bombay HC seeks Maha govt's response to PIL raising issues of patients abandoned in mental health institutes

While stating that the issues of mental health raised in a Public Interest Litigation filed by a psychiatrist are related to the public at large, the bench of Justices S S Shinde and Sarang Kotwal on Wednesday directed the Maharashtra government to file their response. PETITION FOR MENTAL HEALTH CARE ACT The bench was hearing a petition filed by Dr Harish Shetty which urged the implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act across Maharashtra while highlighting the plight of patients languishing in mental hospitals even though they are not seriously mentally ill. Advocate Pranati Mehra, appearing for Shetty, pointed out that the plea sought implementation of the Act in order to protect the rights of persons with mental illnesses and allow them to move Mental Health Review Boards to seek discharge. HC SEEKS RESPONSE FROM MAHA GOVT Considering the seriousness of the issue, Advocate General Ashutosh Kumbhakoni informed the Court that there were Supreme Court judgments dealing with the implementation of the Mental Health Act as well as the Persons with Disabilities Act. READ MORE| Bombay High Court rejects plea of parents to evaluate mental state of son