K.A.RAJA Vs. STATE OF TAMIL NADU

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This Writ Petition has been filed for a direction to the Respondents setup a medical wing in either Trichy Central Prison or Madurai Central Prison exclusively to provide mental health care facilities to the prisoners with mental illness and with round the clock availability of treatment by the Psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, Psychiatric social workers, Mental Health Nurses and other paramedical staffs like Institute of Mental Health setup in a central prison as per Sec. 103 and other relevant provisions of 'The Mental Health Care act, 2017'

(2.) "It is shocking to note that India is the most depressed country in the world". According to the World Health Organisation (in short 'WHO'), it is stated that over 90 Million Indians, viz., 7.5% of the country's population, are suffering from some form of mental illness. China and USA stand in Nos.2 and 3. In India, every 7 th person suffers from some form of mental illness. Mental illness is considered as a leading contributor to disease burden and morbidity worldwide and may even result in suicide if left untreated.

(3.) All psychological problems are treatable, curable and preventable, provided we identify the illness early and initiate the treatment quickly coupled with appropriate rehabilitation. But unfortunately the prevalence of mental illness has doubled in the past 10 years because of the following facts: