Punjab & Haryana High Court Asks Centre To Expeditiously Clear Punjab Mental Health Act Rules

The Punjab & Haryana High Court has directed the Central Government to ensure that the approval process for Punjab Mental Health Act Rules is completed as expeditiously as possible, preferably within a period of six weeks. The Court further expected the State of Punjab to actively expedite and assist the Central Government in the approval process.A bench of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Chandigarh based Pushpanjali Trust, on the implementation of the mandatory provisions of the Mental Healthcare Act 2017 in Punjab and Haryana. The main prayer in the plea is the establishment of Group homes for persons with mental illnesses in Punjab and Haryana.During the previous hearing the bench noted that "it is unfortunate to note that even after expiry of 7-8 years since promulgating of the Act of 2017, Rules have not yet been notified even by both the States of Punjab and Haryana. Considering the fact that the Act of 2017 is a welfare legislation, both the States are obliged to frame the Rules to give effect to various provisions of the Act."In the present hearing, the Court noted that the Rules framed by the State of Punjab were forwarded to the Central Government on January 29, 2026, after removal of objections. The Court observed that the next procedural step requires the Central Government to verify, examine and approve the Rules, with or without amendments.With respect to the State of Haryana, the Court noted that that the Rules framed by the State were approved by the Central Government on January 8, 2026. The Court noted that the remaining step for the Rules to come into effect is their notification and publication in the Official Gazette. Learned counsel appearing for the State of Haryana assured the Court that the notification process would be completed within four weeks.The Court also expressed concern that its earlier query regarding the setting up of a Model Group Home—one each in Punjab and Haryana—has not been responded to by either State.Further, the Court directed that a copy of the petition be served upon Mr. Amit Jhanji, Senior Standing Counsel for the U.T. Administration, who ordinarily appears for PGI, to ensure the early filing of a response on behalf of PGI-Chandigarh.The matter is now listed for March 24.Mr. Aditya Rametra, Managing Trustee of petitioner Trust-in-person.Mr. Salil Sabhlok, Sr. DAG, Punjab.Mr. Deepak Balyan, Addl. A.G. Haryana.Mr. Dheeraj Jain, Sr. Advocate with Ms. Shreyansi Verma, Central Government Counsel (through Video Conferencing) for respondent-UOI.Title: PUSHPANJALI TRUST v. STATE OF PUNJAB AND OTHERSClick here to read order

Punjab & Haryana High Court Asks Centre To Expeditiously Clear Punjab Mental Health Act Rules

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