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If you believe that a person with mental illness is being mistreated or neglected by the person who has the responsibility for their care, report this to the police officer in-charge of the police station within whose jurisdiction the person with mental illness resides.

Living in Society

Last updated on Jun 16, 2022

Every person with a mental illness has a right to((Section 19(1),  the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 )) live with and be a part of the society or community. In other words, just because a person with mental illness has no family or is homeless does not mean that they will be institutionalized in a mental health establishment.

Sometimes the family may abandon the person with mental illness. In such situations, it is the duty of the government to provide appropriate support, such as:

  • Legal aid
  • Community-based establishments, such as half-way homes, group homes, etc.,
  • Facilitate them living with their family/in the family home((Section 19(2)(3),  the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 ))

For example, it is the duty of the government to find accommodation for beggars. The government cannot force them to stay in a mental health establishment.

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