Mental Health Law in India: Post-2017 Legal Developments
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36676/ijl.v3.i1.82Keywords:
Mental Health Care Act 2017, legal reforms, UNCRPD, human rights, healthcare access, Indian judiciary, stigmaAbstract
The Mental Health Care Act, 2017 marked a paradigm shift in the treatment and rights of persons with mental illness in India, replacing the archaic Mental Health Act of 1987. The new legislation aims to ensure dignity, autonomy, and access to mental healthcare services while aligning with India’s obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). This paper examines the key provisions of the 2017 Act, analyzes its implementation challenges, explores judicial trends, and evaluates the legal reforms introduced post-enactment. It highlights gaps in enforcement, the need for infrastructural strengthening, and offers policy suggestions to bridge the gap between legal provisions and mental healthcare realities.
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