Supreme Court Issues Notice on PIL for Oversight of Rehabilitation and Mental Health Units for Children
The Supreme Court has issued notice on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking monitoring and oversight of rehabilitation centers, child development centers, and mental health establishments catering to children with disabilities. The petition highlights a "significant gap" between legislative intent and implementation of statutory safeguards under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016, and the Mental Healthcare Act (MHCA), 2017. It argues that children are denied essential therapies due to a shortage of trained personnel and inadequate supervision, leading to unsafe conditions. The PIL also notes that only five states/UTs have prescribed minimum quality standards for mental health establishments as required by MHCA.
Key Points
- The Supreme Court has taken cognizance of a PIL concerning the monitoring and oversight of rehabilitation and mental health facilities for children with disabilities.
- The PIL highlights a significant gap in the implementation of statutory safeguards for children with disabilities.
- Children in these centers often lack essential therapies due to a shortage of trained staff and inadequate supervision.
- The Mental Healthcare Act (MHCA), 2017, mandates states to prescribe minimum quality standards for mental health establishments, but only a few have complied.
- The petitioners seek directions for a time-bound mechanism for registering mental health professionals.
Exam Facts
- Court: Supreme Court of India.
- Chief Justice of India (CJI): Surya Kant.
- Justice: V. Mohana.
- Petitioners: Rahul Bajaj (disability rights lawyer) and Zaheer Abbas Jan (child rights activist).
- Acts mentioned: Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016; Mental Healthcare Act (MHCA), 2017.
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