Farewell to the Mental Health Bill

There has been unanimous opinion from the psychiatrists, legislators, legal authorities, social workers and general public regarding the need for modifying the existing Indian Lunacy Act, 1912. The Act is basically adopted from the British rules. The Indian Lunacy Act, 1912 is being put forth for major modifications, probably for the better. The mental health Bill has been introduced once again in the Rajyasabha. Though every time we think of the Act and the Bill we cannot help comparing the two, or considering modifications and alterations to improve the facilities for mentally ill. What we usually do not consider is whether there is any need for a separate legislation for the mentally ill. Does it not complicate the ultimate management and care of the mentally ill ? Does it not cause further harm by stigmatising and segregating mentally ill from other illnesses ? The answers to these questions can be derived by analysing the situations and purposes for which the Act was put forth.