Context: In July 2025, the Supreme Court of India in a landmark verdict ruled that mental health is an integral part of the Right to Life under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. The Court also issued 15 strong guidelines for schools and coaching centres to protect student well-being.
Relevance of the Topic:Prelims: Key Provisions of Mental Healthcare Act 2017. Mains: Mental Healthcare in India: Challenges, Govt. Initiatives & Way Forward.
Mental health is more than the absence of mental illnesses. It is the foundation for the well-being and effective functioning of individuals. It includes mental well-being, prevention of mental disorders, treatment and rehabilitation.
Mental Health is a Fundamental Right:
- The Supreme Court in the Sukdeb Saha vs the State of Andhra Pradesh (2025) judgement explicitly recognised mental health as an integral component of the constitutional Right to Life under Article 21.
- This interpretation significantly broadens the scope of Article 21 to encompass psychological well-being, extending beyond mere physical survival.
- The judgment laid down binding guidelines (Saha Guidelines) for educational institutions and coaching centers across India. They aim to establish a preventive, remedial, and supportive framework for mental health protection and prevention of suicides by students.
Saha Guidelines:
The SC has ordered a package of binding interim orders referred to as Saha Guidelines for educational institutions and coaching centers across India.
- Schools, colleges, hostels and coaching institutes are required to proactively develop support systems to address the issue of mental health.
- The SC has directed all States and Union Territories to notify rules within two months for registering private coaching centres and enforcing these guidelines.
- District-level monitoring committees, chaired by District Magistrates, have been tasked to oversee compliance and handle complaints.
- Until Parliament passes a full code, these guidelines will have legislative force.
Significance of the ruling:
- Placing psychological integrity in Article 21 means that the Court has opened up room for these victims (suicide victims) to be heard and safeguarded.
- It opens the door for restorative measures i.e., counselling, reform in institutions, mechanisms of accountability that go beyond retribution to prevention.
- It will strengthen the implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017. The Act enshrines the right to receive mental health care in India.
Key Provisions of Mental Healthcare Act 2017
The Act provides the legal framework for providing services to protect, promote and fulfil the rights of people with mental illnesses. The Act is in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
- The Act guarantees mental health services for all. The government is responsible for creating opportunities to access less restrictive options for community living such as halfway homes, sheltered accommodations, rehab homes, and supported accommodations.
- It decriminalised the attempt to suicide which hitherto was criminal offence under section 309 of Indian Penal Code, and mandates care instead of punishment.
- It provided for the concept of ‘Advanced directive’, i.e. a person (suffering from mental illness) shall have the right to specify the manner in which he/she wishes to be treated or not to be treated. The person shall have the right to nominate representatives to take decisions on their behalf regarding treatment.
- All States are required to establish a State Mental Health Authority and Mental Health Review Boards (MHRB) bodies that can further draft standards for mental healthcare institutes, oversee their functioning and ensure they comply with the Act.
WHO’s data on Mental Health
As per the recent data from the World Health Organisation:
- More than 1 billion people globally are living with mental health disorders (including anxiety and depression).
- Mental health conditions affect people of all ages and income levels, and are the second leading cause of long-term disability, contributing to loss of healthy life.
- The prevalence of mental health disorders can vary by sex, and women are disproportionately impacted.
- Depression and anxiety alone cost the global economy an estimated $1 trillion each year.
- Progress made in reducing suicide mortality is quite low (only 12% reduction achieved) to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of a one -third reduction in suicide rates by 2030.
Challenges:
- India has a significant shortfall of mental health professionals, with roughly 0.7 psychiatrists per 100,000 people, far below the WHO’s recommended ratio of 3 per 100,000 people.
- Systemic neglect of mental health and stigma and reluctance to seek help.
- Inadequate funding for community-based programmes and the effective utilisation of funds. E.g., India’s direct mental health budget has remained at roughly ₹1,000 crore in recent fiscal years.
- Inconsistent implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act 2017.
Way Forward
- Active policy interventions and resource allocation by the government.
- Measures to train and sensitise the community/society to reduce the stigma around mental health.
- Awareness to educate society about mental diseases as done by Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
- Steps to connect the patients with each other by forming a peer network, so that they could listen and support each other.
- People experiencing mental health problems should get the same access to safe and effective care as those with physical health problems.
- Telemedicine and digital health platforms can extend the reach of mental health services, particularly in areas with a shortage of mental health professionals.
Also Read: Bridging Health Cover: Mental Healthcare in India
Transforming mental health services is one of the most pressing public health challenges. However, the national tele-mental health programme has expanded, educational development and awareness programmes are happening at an advanced pace.