High Court Fixes Timeline for Punjab, Haryana, and Centre to Enforce Mental Healthcare Regulations

Summary:
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed Punjab, Haryana, and the Centre to speed up the implementation of pending rules under the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, within fixed timelines, citing delays in notification and the establishment of statutory bodies. The states assured that their approved rules will be notified within 15 days, while the Centre was asked to clear Chandigarh’s draft rules in the same period. The court also pointed out gaps in rehabilitation facilities and ordered Haryana to set up a Mental Health Review Board within five weeks, with the next hearing scheduled for May 18. 

The High Court has instructed Punjab, Haryana, and the Centre to expedite the implementation of long-pending mental healthcare rules within defined timelines.

Emphasizing the need for stronger governance in mental health services, the Punjab and Haryana High Court directed all three authorities to enforce key provisions of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, without further delay. While hearing a PIL filed by Pushpanjali Trust, the court raised concerns over prolonged delays in notifying the rules and establishing the required statutory bodies.

Punjab and Haryana informed the court that their respective rules have recently been approved and will be notified within 15 days. The Centre was also directed to approve Chandigarh’s revised draft rules within the same timeframe.

The bench highlighted shortcomings in rehabilitation infrastructure and the lack of Mental Health Review Boards, instructing Haryana to set up such a board within five weeks. The next hearing in the matter is scheduled for May 18.