Archive · 28 Oct 2025
Supreme Court Directs NHRC to Monitor Faith-Based Mental Health Facilities
Imagine some places that try to help people with mental health problems, but instead of using medicine or doctors, they rely only on faith or religious practices.
The Supreme Court of India noticed that these places, sometimes called faith-based asylums, might not be treating people very well.
So, the court has asked a special group called the National Human Rights Commission to watch over these places.
This means the NHRC will check if people are being treated kindly and safely.
They also need to make sure these places are following the country's laws for mental healthcare.
If any states haven't set up the right mental health authorities yet, the NHRC will also make sure they do.
The goal is to protect everyone who needs help and ensure they get the care they deserve.
The Supreme Court has directed the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to monitor faith-based mental health facilities.
The NHRC will oversee treatment of individuals in these 'asylums' and ensure compliance with the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017.
A 2018 plea concerning a faith-based asylum in Badaun, Uttar Pradesh, has been transferred to the NHRC for monitoring.
The court emphasized the need for NHRC to ensure state authorities are properly constituted and functioning as per the Act.
The NHRC is to issue notices to statutory authorities to respond regarding compliance with court directions for functioning of these facilities.
- Who
- The Supreme Court of India, directing the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
- What
- Directed the NHRC to monitor faith-based 'mental asylums' and ensure proper treatment and compliance with the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017.
- When
- Tuesday
- Where
- Supreme Court of India, with monitoring to extend to faith-based facilities nationwide, specifically mentioning one in Badaun, Uttar Pradesh.
- Why
- To ensure the humane treatment and proper care of individuals with mental illness in faith-based facilities and to ensure compliance with the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017.
- Court
- Supreme Court of India
- Agency Directed
- National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
- Issue
- Treatment of persons in faith-based mental health facilities
- Related Legislation
- Mental Healthcare Act, 2017
- Original Plea Year
- 2018
- Location of Specific Facility Mentioned
- Badaun, Uttar Pradesh