Mental Health Act, 1987

The husband filed for divorce under Sections 12(1)(b) and 13(1)(iii) of the Hindu Marriage Act, seeking a court order that his wife undergo a medical examination to determine unsoundness of mind. The District Judge ordered the examination, the High Court dismissed the revision, and the wife appealed to the Supreme Cour…

Ms. Sheela Barse, a social activist, filed a writ petition under Article 32 alleging that numerous children and adults in West Bengal were being committed to jails as “non‑criminal lunatics” without proper medical assessment, thereby depriving them of liberty and subjecting them to inadequate care. The State of West Be…

The petitioners filed a writ petition alleging deplorable conditions at Asha Kiran Home, a Delhi Government-run facility for persons with disabilities, and suggested remedial measures. The Delhi High Court directed a joint meeting, accepted the Government's report of actions taken, and disposed of the petition without …

A tragic fire at a mental asylum in Ervadi, Tamil Nadu, killed 25 chained patients, prompting the Supreme Court to take suo motu action under Article 32. The Court examined the failure of the Central and State governments to implement the Mental Health Act, 1987 and related disability statutes, noting that chaining of …

Raj Kumar, a mentally retarded owner of premises, filed an eviction petition through his father who was appointed as his guardian and next friend under Order 32, Rule 1 read with Rule 15 of the CPC. The rent‑control authority dismissed the petition and the appellant sought a civil revision. The High Court set aside the…