Delhi High Court Orders Random Checks to Prevent Involuntary Detention in De-Addiction Centers

The Delhi High Court has ordered the authorities to conduct periodic random checks on de-addiction centers to ensure no one is being detained involuntarily. The order follows a petition regarding the alleged forcible admission of an individual. Authorities need to verify the consent of inpatients per the Mental Healthcare Act.

The Delhi High Court has mandated periodic random inspections of de-addiction centers to ensure that no one is being detained against their will. The order comes in response to allegations that a person was forcibly admitted to such a center.

A bench led by Justice Prathiba M Singh has instructed the authorities to verify the 'admission register' for compliance with the Mental Healthcare Act, ensuring that all inpatients are there voluntarily. The case involved a man whose wife reportedly admitted him forcibly.

The court emphasized that random checks would be conducted to ensure adherence to legal norms. The State Mental Health Authority, along with relevant departments, has been directed to oversee these checks.

(With inputs from agencies.)