New Delhi, July 13 (Agency) National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) chairperson Justice Arun Mishra said it is time to think of innovative ideas to remove the stigma and achieve a safe world for the persons with mental illnesses. NHRC delegation on two-day visit to Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh conducted a workshop in collaboration with Madhya Pradesh government to formulate a plan for efficient working of the Gwalior MansikArogyashala, NHRC said in a statement.
Former judge of the Supreme Court Mishra said that the mental illnesses are still a stigma in the society and there is a long way to go before we achieve the solutions. The individuals suffering with such illness are looked down upon in society, which restricts them from enjoyment of their human rights. The biggest problem is with their rehabilitation in mainstream society after their treatment. The stigma attached with the mental illness and the lack of awareness causes impediments in getting acceptance by their family, it stated. Justice Mishra urged for laws to compel the families to accept them back post treatment, including provision of maintenance and right to property. He said that such an approach should be based on love, care and affection. Justice Mishra said that it should be the duty of every individual, to protect the rights of people suffering from mental illness. He said that the change should begin from changing mindsets. Unless the mindsets are changed, no amendments in the Acts will yield results. If it just remains on paper and is not implemented in its true spirit it would lead to failure of rule of law.
Earlier, the NHRC member Justice MM Kumar said that although the Mental Health Care Act, 2017 has specific provisions regarding the protection of rights of the persons with mental illness, the implementation on ground is not seen. The MP government has set up Statutory State authority but this needs to be made fully functional on priority in tune with the provisions and spirit of the Act to safeguard the rights of persons with mental illness, it stated. The NHRC Secretary General Devendra Kumar Singh talked about the Supreme Court judgments in connection with mental health care. He also stressed on the lack of support from society in general, which obstructs the process of proper treatment. Focusing on the role of the NHRC, he said that the commission will continue to work in promotion and protection of rights of the persons with mental illness.