Delay In Recruitment To Specialised Medical Posts Particularly For Mental Healthcare Causes Prejudice To Public: Chhattisgarh High Court

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Ravindra Kumar Agrawal was hearing a Public Interest Litigation concerning the lack of adequate mental healthcare infrastructure and amenities across Chhattisgarh and the inordinate delay in completion of recruitment to specialised posts.

In the affidavit submitted by the Secretary, Government Chhattisgarh, it was revealed that fresh recruitment of psychiatrists was in the pipeline as the earlier recruitment process had failed. Accordingly, a proposal for 6 MD Psychiatrist posts was sent to the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (CGPSC) and the same was awaiting approval by the Finance Department. Further, the recruitment process of Counsellors and Clinical Psychologists was underway, and that of Pathologist was completed, with one candidate being selected.

The affidavit also flagged challenges in the recruitment process, which included shortage of qualified psychiatrists due to limited PG seats, strict regulations and training requirements. However, the Court was assured that the government was taking continuous and expeditious efforts to fill vacancies and improve mental health services across the State despite the aforementioned constraints.

However, the Animus Curiae appointed submitted that although the posts of MD Psychiatrists were earlier advertised, the State had once again initiated the process of seeking financial sanction, which unnecessarily prolonged the recruitment process, and consequently would cause unnecessary further delay.

Against this backdrop, the Division Bench observed,

“… it appears that the proposal for recruitment to six posts of MD Psychiatrist has already been forwarded on 05.03.2026 and is presently pending approval before the Finance Department. Once financial approval had earlier been granted, seeking such approval afresh appears to be a matter of formality and ought not to occasion undue delay. The process must, therefore, proceed with due expedition. This Court expects and trusts that the State shall make earnest efforts to complete the recruitment process for the post of MD Psychiatrist at the earliest and avoid any unwarranted delay. The continued pendency of recruitment for such specialized posts, particularly in the field of mental healthcare, results in serious prejudice to the public at large. Seeking time on procedural grounds in such circumstances does not appear to be justified.”

Accordingly, the Court ordered the Secretary to file further affidavit with respect to the earlier directions of the Court and the updated status of the recruitment process.

The matter is now listed on April 28, 2026 for further hearing.

Case Number: WPPIL No. 112 of 2017

Case Title: The Chhattisgarh High Court, Legal Service Committee versus State of Chhattisgarh & others

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