ArdorComm Media News Network
October 30, 2025
In a significant move to strengthen mental healthcare governance, the Supreme Court on Tuesday (October 28, 2025) directed the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to monitor the functioning of Central and State Mental Health Authorities across India.
The decision, issued by a Bench led by Justice P.S. Narasimha, came in response to a 2018 petition filed by advocate Gaurav Kumar Bansal, which exposed the inhumane treatment of mentally ill inmates who were found chained in a faith-based asylum in Badayun, Uttar Pradesh.
The petition had called for the establishment and independent monitoring of Central and State Mental Health Authorities, along with dedicated funding and mental health review boards, as mandated under the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017.
Following the petition, the Union Health Ministry informed the Court through an affidavit that these authorities had been formally notified and were operational.
Acknowledging this development, the Bench observed: “Since both the Central and State Mental Health Authorities are now functioning, the NHRC shall oversee the matter, hear the concerned bodies, and issue necessary directions to ensure their effective working.”
The Supreme Court further instructed that the petition be treated as a “complaint” by the NHRC and monitored accordingly under existing legal provisions. The NHRC has been empowered to issue appropriate orders to ensure that mental health institutions and review boards function efficiently and uphold human rights standards.
This directive marks an important step toward ensuring accountability and systemic reform within India’s mental healthcare framework.
Source: The Hindu