Exploring A Quad Model and Challenges for Mental Healthcare Justice in India

Abstract

In a democratic setup like India, State incurs a constitutional duty to bestow efficient mental healthcare on its people. Neglect of mental health care by the State negates the constitutional responsibility imposed under various provisions of the Indian Constitution. The existing laws and policies on mental health in India are subject to criticism and inadequately defined mental illness. The State has not provided adequate funds, infrastructure, and mechanisms to cope-up with an increasing number of people suffering from mental illness. For comprehensive care of mentally ill persons, it is need of the hour that equal attention must be provided by the State, Society, Family, and Institutions. In light of this, the present article gives major insights into the concept and definition of Mental Illness, Mental Healthcare and Constitutional Premise, Legislative and Policy Mechanism on Mental Health Care in India. The authors have proposed a Legal Rights-Based Quad Model and 6 Responsibility Principles for Stakeholders.