Mental Health Of People "Least Priority" To Bihar Government: High Court
NDTV
A PIL had sought direction from the court to the state government to establish a legitimate and functional mental health authority in the state.
The Patna High Court has said it appears that the mental health of people and their treatment is the "least priority" of the Bihar government, and directed the chief secretary to take all steps to ensure the establishment of a State Mental Health Authority.
A division bench, comprising Chief Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice S Kumar, expressed shock over the absence of such an authority in the state.
"It appears that mental health of a person and treatment of those who are in need, more so during the time of Covid-19, is the least priority of the state government," the bench said.
It heard a public interest litigation, filed by Akanksha Maviya, which sought direction from the court to the state government to establish a legitimate and functional mental health authority with adherence to the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 and start a helpline and counselling facilities.
