The Mental Health Act, 1987

The Mental Health Act, 1987 is a landmark legislation in India aimed at safeguarding the rights of persons with mental illness while regulating the care, treatment, and rehabilitation provided in mental health institutions. This book presents the full text of the Act along with detailed commentary, explaining provisions related to admission, discharge, treatment, consent, and patient safeguards.

It systematically covers the roles and responsibilities of mental health professionals, institutional authorities, and government bodies in providing ethical and lawful care. Key aspects include protection of patient rights, regulation of mental health facilities, legal procedures for involuntary admission, and compliance with statutory and administrative norms. The commentary also addresses judicial interpretations, amendments, and practical challenges faced in implementing the Act.

Structured for both professional and academic use, this book is an indispensable resource for lawyers, psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, healthcare administrators, policymakers, and students of law and mental health. By integrating legal interpretation with real-world applications, it provides clear guidance on navigating the statutory framework, ensuring patient rights, and fostering ethical mental healthcare practices.