Jowai, Jul 26: As part of an ongoing initiative to promote awareness and understanding of mental health issues in relation to legal rights and responsibilities, an awareness programme was held at the District and Sessions Court, West Jaintia Hills District, Khliehtyrshi.
Organised by the District Legal Services Authority the programme covered legal services to persons with mental illness and persons with intellectual disabilities of the NALSA Scheme, 2024.
Meghalaya High Court Justice Hamarsan Sing Thangkhiew, who is also the Executive Chairman, Meghalaya SLSA attended the programme as chief guest, along with District and Session Judge N.A Khan who is also the Chairman District Legal Services Authority, District Medical & Health Officer Dr. P Shylla, district administration officials, local leaders, police officers and students.
Khan emphasised the importance of organising such awareness programmes to bridge the gap between legal services and mental healthcare and to ensure that the rights of the persons with mental illness are safeguarded. .He highlighted the importance of the NALSA scheme, which aims to ensure that theses vulnerable individuals are not left behind and received equal access to justice, healthcare and essential service.
The scheme mandates the District Legal Service Authorities (DLSAs) to proactively identify and assist such individuals especially in prisons, mental health institutions and shelter homes. The scheme also addresses the issue of informed consent, recognising that many individuals with severe mental illness may require support from caregiver or legal representatives in making decisions.
Justice Thangkhiew highlighted the evolution of mental health laws in India from Custodial isolation to a right based Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 which ensures non-discrimination, patient centred care and access to treatment for individuals with mental illness.
The 2017 Act marks a major departure from outdated custodial approach. It affirms that mental healthcare is a basic human right, he said.
He emphasised that individuals with mental health conditions are more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators, countering the widespread myth that equated mental illness with dangerous behaviour. He pointed instead to factors like poverty, substance abuse, homelessness and family instability as the root cause of violent crime.
Justice Thangkhiew also pointed out the gaps in access to mental healthcare, particularly in rural communities and prisons where awareness and access to treatment remain limited. He stressed the responsibilities of the judiciary, law and enforcement in ensuring that persons with mental illness are assessed fairly and provided appropriate care especially when they come into conflict with the law and ensuring that the accused individuals are mentally fit to stand trial and that their rights are safeguard throughout the legal process.
The District Legal Service Authorities (DLSAs), he noted, are mandated under the NALSA’s Scheme to proactively identify and assist persons with mental illness, particularly those languishing in custodial settings without support.
He also drew attention to concerns raised by local officials in Jowai, who reported an alarming rise in violent crimes possibly linked to untreated mental health conditions or environmental factors. Justice Thangkhiew expressed support for community level mental health initiatives and reiterated his commitment to advocating for reform.
Awareness was given on various aspects of mental health including mental illness and intellectual disabilities, early identification and stigma, mental health among youth and the risk posed by social media, mental health and substance abuse, and other facilities available at the state and district level to address the mental health issues.
Resources persons included Dr. Dazelle Sungoh, Senior Residence Psychiatrist, Department of Psychiatry, NEIGRIHMS, Kimberly Syiem, Clinical Psychologist Department of Psychiatry, NEIGRIHMS, Dr. E. Dann, District Mental and Health Programme Officer, Jowai and Y. Najiar, District Social Welfare Officer, Jowai.
