*9 September 2011* *Manka Behl*
*NAGPUR *: The Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court on Wednesday directed the police commissioner to frame a scheme for proper care and rehabilitation of mentally challenged persons wandering on the city streets. A division bench comprising justices Sharad Bobde and MN Gilani asked the CP and the state government to submit a report within six weeks in this regard. The CP was also told to set up a special cell with a nodal officer to take custody of and admit such persons. The court's directives came while hearing a PIL filed by lawyer Raghvendra Joshi, praying for the directions to government to take care and treat such persons. According to him, hundreds of such persons go unnoticed by the government and the citizens, as a result of which they are living under pitiable conditions. Earlier, the court had invited senior psychiatrist Dr Salim Mujawar for assistance in the case. The court has further asked the Nagpur University's National Social Service (NSS) and the traffic cops to locate such persons and then report them to the nearest police station. The police officials were further directed to take their custody and admit them either to mental hospital, Government Medical College (GMC) or Indira Gandhi Government Medical College (IGMC) for treatment. In case these persons are deserted by their family members that usually happens, the court has asked the government to watch out for their overall rehabilitation by seeking help from various non-government organisations (NGOs). Taking a serious cognizance of the issue, the judges further directed the city police to provide a special cell number to the nodal officer which would be published in the media for creating awareness among the masses. Government pleader Nitin Sambre said that draft for the scheme would be prepared at the local level and suggestions invited from the public before being sent to the government for approval. The court, while appreciating the positive response from the NSS co-coordinator, stated that the NSS students could also keep a vigil on such persons in their respective areas and contact the nodal officer. The court also stated that the traffic police deputed in various parts of the city should also inform about such children directly to the nodal officer of the special cell. The petitioner contended that fundamental rights of life and equality available under the Constitution should be extended to such mentally challenged persons incapable of taking own care. In an attempt to improve their lives, he had also sent a letter to Nagpur police chief but received no response. He had also reported many such homeless persons to the police stations at Dhantoli, Sitabuldi and Lakadganj. Pointing at provisions under the Mental Health Act, 1987, he said the police were empowered to take such persons under protection and produce them before the nearest judicial magistrate who will examine them and give further directions for admission to psychiatric hospitals or psychiatric nursing homes. http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-09-09/nagpur/30134283_1_nodal-officer-persons-special-cell -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Mental Health Advocacy (News 'N Views) India" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/MhaNewsViewsIndia?hl=en ------------- Affiliated Groups : MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY INDIA [email protected] Discussions on mental health law / policy / plan monitoring / human rights etc [email protected] India-specific news and views related to mental health [email protected] Information and support to carers of people with mental health issues [email protected] Mutual support and sharing of experiential knowledge, skills and social learning amongst peers
