The Mental Health Care Bill, 2013, tabled in the Rajya Sabha this
week decriminalises suicide and lays down that a person attempting
suicide should be treated for mental illness.
Section 124 of the Bill states, "Notwithstanding anything
contained in Section 309 of the IPC, any person who attempts suicide
shall be presumed, unless proved otherwise, to be suffering from mental
illness at the time of the bid and shall not be liable to punishment
under the said Section."
The new Bill also delineates rights of a mentally ill person to
protection from cruelty, confidentiality, information, legal aid, mental
healthcare and most importantly, his/her right to equality and
non-discrimination. This is a change from the Mental Health Act of 1987
and in tune with UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities, which India has ratified. It makes the central and state
governments responsible for planning and execution of an effective
mental health programme.
The Bill requires all mental health establishments, mental health
personnel and also those treating mental health afflictions with
traditional methods of medicine to be registered with the Central Mental
Health Authority. It will replace the Mental Health Act of 1987.
Source : Indian Express , 22nd August 2013
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