Patna High Court Orders Toll-Free Helpline For Mentally Ill Persons, Stresses Vocational Training To Make Recovered Patients Self-Sufficient

The Patna High Court has issued directions for the creation of a toll-free helpline to assist persons suffering from mental health issues, while hearing a suo motu public interest litigation concerning the condition of mental health facilities in Bihar. The Court also directed the State to consider suggestions made by the Amicus Curiae in the matter.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo and Justice Harish Kumar was hearing the case initiated pursuant to an inspection report dated 17.02.2026 submitted by the Member Secretary, Bihar State Legal Services Authority (BSLSA), highlighting deficiencies in mental healthcare infrastructure across the State, including at the Bihar Institute of Mental Health and Allied Sciences (BIMHAS), Koilwar.

Earlier, the Court had issued notice to several authorities, including the Principal Secretary, Health Department; Secretary, State Mental Health Authority; Director, BIMHAS; Director General of Police; Inspector General of Prisons; and the Union of India, seeking responses on various aspects concerning mental healthcare. The authorities subsequently filed their responses.

The Court noted that pursuant to its order dated 18.02.2026, directions had already been issued to all Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) and Superintendents of Police (SPs) to sensitise police stations regarding compliance with Section 100 of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, which deals with the responsibilities of police officers in respect of persons with mental illness. The Court directed the Additional Director General of Police to regularly collect information from districts regarding steps taken for such sensitisation and action taken in identified cases.

Directing the creation of a dedicated helpline, the Court ordered that a toll-free number be established and widely publicised through print, electronic, and digital media. The helpline is to function round-the-clock (24×7) to enable citizens to report instances of persons appearing to suffer from mental illness and requiring assistance. Upon receiving such information, the concerned authorities are to immediately alert local police, who must take appropriate action in accordance with Section 100 of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, including ensuring treatment and rehabilitation.

Regarding the affidavit filed by Dr. Jayesh Ranjan, Director, BIMHAS, Koilwar (who was present virtually along with the Health Secretary) the Court noted:

“After going through the response filed by the State, though it appears that the persons after being cured from mental ailment are sent to half-way homes whose families are not coming out to receive them and they were provided with vocational training in the half-way homes, but it is not clear as to what sorts of vocational trainings are being imparted to them and what is the outcome of such training. If such persons are being trained in a particular skill, then the government should make necessary arrangement in providing them work and finance also so that they can make themselves self-sufficient reducing their dependency on others which would enable them to return to mainstream of the society”

The Court further directed the State to file a detailed report on the next date, setting out the nature of vocational training being imparted to persons recovering from mental illness and residing in half-way homes. The report is also to disclose the financial assistance and employment opportunities provided to such individuals to enable their rehabilitation and self-sufficiency, along with steps taken for establishing similar facilities across other parts of the State.

Taking note of the report submitted by the Amicus Curiae, the Court directed the concerned authorities to examine the feasibility of the suggestions and recommendations made therein and file their responses indicating the manner in which such measures can be implemented.

The matter has been listed for further hearing on April 20. The Court directed that on the next date, the Principal Secretary, Health Department; Secretary, State Mental Health Authority; Director, BIMHAS; Director General of Police; and Inspector General of Prisons shall remain present virtually.

Case Title: Court on its own motion Regarding matter relates to the Inspection Report v. State of Bihar and Ors.

Case No.: Civil Writ Jurisdiction Case No. 2805 of 2026

Appearance: Mr. Raju Patel and Ms. Anukriti Jaipuriar appeared as Amicus Curiae. Mr. P.K. Shahi, Advocate General for the Respondents; Mr. D.R. K.N. Singh, Senior Advocate (ASG), Mr. Kumar Priya Ranjan, Senior Panel Counsel, and Mr. Sandeep Kumar, Advocate for the Union of India.

In a connected matter Ms. Akanksha Malviya appeared In Person for the Petitioner. Mr. Dr. K. N. Singh and Mr. Amish Kumar appeared for the Respondents.

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