In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court of India has affirmed that mental health is an essential part of the constitutional Right to Life, drawing praise from mental health advocates and legal experts across the country.

The ruling came during a case involving the death of a 17-year-old NEET aspirant under suspicious circumstances. The apex court not only transferred the investigation to the CBI but also issued mandatory guidelines for educational institutions and coaching centres to prioritize student mental health.

Mental health activist and Anjali founder Ratnaboli Ray welcomed the decision, noting that it marks a shift from viewing mental health as a welfare issue to recognizing it as a legal right. “This obligates the state to ensure mental health protections, not just encourage them,” said Ray.

By issuing welfare guidelines for students, the Supreme Court acknowledged rising mental health challenges in academic spaces, including anxiety, depression, and suicide. This move holds schools and colleges accountable for creating supportive environments.

Legal expert Arush Sengupta emphasized that by anchoring mental health under Article 21, individuals now have constitutional grounds to seek legal remedy for violations. This strengthens the enforcement of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, which previously lacked constitutional backing.

Psychiatrist Dr. Aniruddha Deb called the ruling transformative. “Mental illness has long been stigmatized. People were denied basic rights, including voting and public office, due to outdated perceptions. This judgment signals a major cultural and legal shift,” he said.

Experts agree that the onus is now on the executive branch to translate the judiciary’s vision into policy and practice. “The court has taken the first bold step. It’s time for the government to act decisively,” Ray added.

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