Mental health of persons least priority of State government: Patna High Court

The Patna High Court on Thursday said that it appeared that mental health was the lowest priority of the State government [Akanksha Maviya v Union of India]..A Bench of Chief Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice S Kumar stated in its order,"It appears that mental health of a person and/or treatment of those who are in need, more so during the time of Covid-19, is the least priority of the State Government.".The Court was hearing a public interest litigation seeking the establishment of a legitimate and functional State Mental Health Authority in accordance with the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017. The plea also sought a direction to the government to spread awareness by providing authentic information on mental health and COVID-19, anxiety, stress and depression..On perusing the State’s response, the Bench expressed its shock that no such authority had been constituted, and that only an advertisement had been published in newspapers to meet this end in 2020..The State submitted that applications had been received pursuant to the advertisements and were under consideration. However, the same were still in the process of finalisation due to the pandemic..The Court opined that the arguments by the State were vague, remarking, “What is that stage? How much time it would take to complete? Who all are engaged in the selection process? Are all questions left to be answered by ones own imagination?” It was stressed that all establishments of the State have become fully-operational despite the pandemic..The Court directed the Chief Secretary of the Bihar government to take all steps to ensure the establishment of the authority under the Act, and to file an affidavit of compliance showing the latest status, before February 25. The Chief Secretary was also directed to indicate the steps taken for complying with the other provisions of the statute..Advocates Vishal Kumar Singh, Akash Keshav, Deepak Kumar Singh and Shashwat appeared for the petitioner. The Central government was represented by Additional Solicitor General Dr KN Singh, while Additional Advocate General SD Yadav and Advocate Kumar Priya Ranjan appeared for the State..[Read Order]