Wed Dec 25 22:55:00 UTC 2024: ## Delhi High Court Orders Speedy Formation of Mental Health Authority
**New Delhi, December 26, 2024** – The Delhi High Court has directed the city government to swiftly fill vacancies for non-official members of the Delhi Mental Health Authority, mandating the constitution of review boards in accordance with the Mental Health Care Act. The court’s order, issued on December 12th, addresses two petitions highlighting the non-compliance with the Act’s provisions.
The ruling explicitly states that the formation of the authority and review boards will not be delayed by the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections’ Model Code of Conduct. Petitioners, advocates Amit Sahni and Shreyus Sukhija, argued that the establishment of these bodies is crucial for providing mental healthcare and protecting the rights of individuals with mental illness, as mandated by Section 73 of the Act.
The court has granted the petitioners the right to refile their pleas if the government fails to comply within a reasonable timeframe. This follows a previous November 25th order instructing the Delhi government to appoint seven ex-officio members to the authority within a week. The High Court’s intervention ensures the timely implementation of the Mental Health Care Act, aiming to improve mental healthcare services in Delhi.
First Piper 