HC seeks govt response on rehabilitation of mentally ill kids

Dehradun: The Uttarakhand high court has directed the state govt to submit a response within 15 days regarding compliance with rehabilitation guidelines for mentally ill children under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

On Thursday, a division bench of Chief Justice G Narendar and Justice Ashish Naithani heard a petition filed by Haldwani-based organisation, Roshni Society, following the disappearance of a 13-year-old mentally ill boy from a centre run by NGO USR Indu Samiti in Basai, Ramnagar of Nainital district.

Govind Mehra, secretary of Roshni Society, told TOI, "After the boy went missing in 2022, we lodged a complaint with the district probation officer and the police, but when no action was taken we approached the HC." Mehra added that guidelines under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 have not been fulfilled in Uttarakhand yet.

The court instructed the state govt to formulate a comprehensive policy for the rehabilitation of children and patients suffering from mental disorders, and directed all senior superintendents of police (SSPs) to prohibit such individuals from being treated by unqualified practitioners. It also directed authorities to ensure they are not subjected to inhumane treatment, including restraint or solitary confinement in private dwellings and institutions.

Additionally, the court called for the establishment of centres for human rights, ethics, law, and mental health, along with the provision of accessible mental health services without discrimination. The state govt has been asked to file an affidavit on the matter within a fortnight.