New Rules Empower Mental Health Patients in Chandigarh

Chandigarh has officially notified the Mental Healthcare Rules 2026, eight years after the national Mental Healthcare Act of 2017 was enacted. These new rules, issued on July 20 in compliance with high court directives, grant persons with mental illness the right to decide in advance how they wish to be treated and to appoint a nominated representative. The government is now obligated to establish halfway homes and rehabilitation centers for mental healthcare services.

The framework mandates the registration of all mental health establishments and professionals with the State/UT Mental Health Authority, which will also define minimum operating standards. Patients can appeal to the Mental Health Review Board, chaired by a district judge, for grievances. These rules introduce enhanced patient safeguards compared to the previous 1987 Act, particularly concerning admission, discharge, and access to medical records.

Admissions to mental health establishments are to be based on patient consent whenever possible, termed 'independent admission'. For those unable to consent, 'supported admission' by a nominated representative is permitted, but this is valid for only 30 days and requires review for extensions. The Mental Health Review Board must approve any involuntary admissions or treatment extensions beyond 30 days, and will also handle complaints regarding care deficiency or rights violations.