High Court Declares Mental Health Law in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh Still a 'Formality' After Eight Years

The Delhi High Court, in a judgment delivered on Tuesday, stated that the Mental Health Act has not been effectively implemented in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh after eight years of its enactment. The court highlighted that despite the law’s provisions for the establishment of mental health facilities and the protection of patients’ rights, no concrete steps have been taken by the respective state governments. The ruling points out that the law remains an empty formality, with no tangible benefits reaching the mentally ill population in the three states. The court urged the governments to take immediate action to operationalise the Act and to ensure that the rights of patients are safeguarded in line with the law’s objectives.