Libertatem Magazine

Subscribe
Login / Register
Libertatem: Navigating Legal Perspectives

Supreme Court Issues Notice to Union Health Ministry, Says Extend Insurance to Mental Health

Contents of this Page

A Writ Petition filed in the Supreme Court was particularly under Article 32 of the Constitution of India. This was to pass mandamus to implement Section 21(4) of the Mental Health Care Act, 2017. Sushant Singh Rajput’s suicide initiated the discussion on Mental Illness. Depression and anxiety are a few problems that people face under mental illness.

Facts of the Case

The Petition under Section 21(4) of the Mental Health Care Act,2017 came before the Hon’ble Supreme Court. This states that every insurer is bound to make provisions for the treatment of mental illness in medical insurance. These must be available the same as for the treatment of physical illness.
 
Further, the GM of Health directed the insurance companies to follow Section 21(4) of the Mental Healthcare Act with immediate effect. The direction passed by the General Manager came on the basis of the letter issued by the respondent. The Respondent did not keep an eye on the insurance companies, as stated. He didn’t do any follow up after sending the letter. There was no action against the insurance companies who failed to follow the orders. Thus, the present petition is in the nature of a Public Interest Litigation.
 
The Petitioner had filed Writ Petition (Civil) No. 1496 of 2018. The Hon’ble Court observed that “persons with mental illness are also human beings and their dignity can’t be put at risk.” The petitioner submitted that cause of non-compliance is the “red tape attitude” of the IRDAI. This leads to a lot of trouble for people who are suffering from mental illness.

Court’s Decision

The Bench comprising of Justice Rohinton F Nariman, Justice Navin Sinha and Justice BR Gavai heard the matter. The Bench issued notice to the Union Health Ministry and IRDAI.
Further the hearing is scheduled after two weeks.

Libertatem.in is now on Telegram. Follow us for regular legal updates and judgements from the court. Follow us on Google News, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook & Twitter. You can also subscribe for our Weekly Email Updates. You can also contribute stories like this and help us spread awareness for a better society. Submit Your Post Now.

About the Author

Palak Kalra
Palak Kalra
Browse Author's Posts
Related Posts
Supreme Court: India’s Freedom will be Safe as Long as Journalists can Speak Truth to the Power Without Being Chilled by a Threat
Supreme Court The Courtroom
Supreme Court: India’s Freedom will be Safe as Long as Journalists can Speak Truth to the Power Without Being Chilled by a Threat
by Palak Kalra
May 27, 2020
Bar Council of India says Virtual Courts Cannot Serve Justice
Articles
Bar Council of India says Virtual Courts Cannot Serve Justice
by Palak Kalra
May 28, 2020
Supreme Court Grants Permission to Tamil Nadu Government to Use Floors of Hospital Facing Demolition Action for COVID-19 Treatment
Supreme Court The Courtroom
Supreme Court Grants Permission to Tamil Nadu Government to Use Floors of Hospital Facing Demolition Action for COVID-19 Treatment
by Palak Kalra
May 30, 2020
Supreme Court Asks Bar Clerk’s Association to Withdraw Plea
Supreme Court The Courtroom
Supreme Court Asks Bar Clerk’s Association to Withdraw Plea
by Palak Kalra
July 20, 2020
SC Dismisses Petition to Change the Name Of the Country to “Bharat“, Says India Is Already Called Bharat In the Constitution
Supreme Court The Courtroom
SC Dismisses Petition to Change the Name Of the Country to “Bharat“, Says India Is Already Called Bharat In the Constitution
by Palak Kalra
June 8, 2020
All Time - Top 5 Authors
Adhiti Sharma
Contributor
Posts: 77
Liji Anna Thomas
Contributor
Posts: 73
Neha Thomas
Contributor
Posts: 71
Ekjot Kaur
Contributor
Posts: 63
Ananya Mondal
Contributor
Posts: 58