The India Lunacy Act, 1912 was the first comprehensive legislation in India to deal with the care, treatment, and protection of individuals with mental illnesses.
It was modeled after the English Lunacy Act of 1890.
Came into force on 1st May 1912.
✅ Key Objectives:
Provide legal procedures for the admission, detention, and discharge of mentally ill persons.
Establish regulations for the management of mental hospitals and asylums.
Protect society from individuals deemed dangerous due to mental illness.
Ensure state control over the care and custody of mentally ill individuals.
✅ Important Provisions:
Defined terms like “Lunatic” (now considered outdated and derogatory).
Classified mental illness under two categories:
Civil Lunatics: Those incapable of managing their personal affairs.
Criminal Lunatics: Mentally ill persons who had committed crimes.
Laid down guidelines for:
Admission procedures (Voluntary and Involuntary).
Certification by medical officers for confinement.
Inspection and regulation of mental health institutions.
Provided the role of the Board of Visitors to oversee institutions.
✅ Criticisms of the Act:
Focused more on custody and control rather than treatment and rehabilitation.
Used stigmatizing terminology (e.g., “Lunatic”).
Neglected the rights and dignity of mentally ill persons.
Did not emphasize community mental health services or rehabilitation.
✅ Repeal and Replacement:
This Act remained in force until it was repealed by the Mental Health Act, 1987, which focused more on human rights and modern mental healthcare.
Further replaced by the more progressive Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, which emphasizes:
Protection of the rights of persons with mental illness.
Decriminalization of suicide attempts.
Access to mental healthcare services.
📌 Golden One-Liners for Quick Revision:
🧠 “India Lunacy Act, 1912 was the first formal law on mental health in India.”
🧠 “Focused more on custody and confinement rather than treatment and rehabilitation.”
🧠 “It was replaced by the Mental Health Act, 1987, and later by the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017.”
🧠 “The Act used outdated terms like ‘Lunatic,’ now considered derogatory.”
✅ 1. In which year was the India Lunacy Act implemented?
A) 1890 B) 1912 C) 1987 D) 2017
Correct Answer: B) 1912 Rationale: The India Lunacy Act came into force in 1912 and remained in effect until it was repealed by the Mental Health Act of 1987.
·
✅ 2. The India Lunacy Act, 1912, primarily focused on which of the following?
A) Rehabilitation and community care B) Custody and confinement of mentally ill persons C) Promotion of mental health awareness D) Protection of the human rights of mentally ill persons
Correct Answer: B) Custody and confinement of mentally ill persons Rationale: The Act was primarily concerned with protecting society by confining mentally ill persons, rather than focusing on their treatment or rehabilitation.
·
✅ 3. Which Act replaced the India Lunacy Act, 1912?
A) Mental Health Act, 1987 B) Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 C) Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995 D) National Mental Health Policy, 2014
Correct Answer: A) Mental Health Act, 1987 Rationale: The Mental Health Act, 1987, replaced the outdated India Lunacy Act and focused more on treatment and rights of mentally ill individuals.
·
✅ 4. Which of the following terms was used in the India Lunacy Act, 1912, but is now considered outdated and stigmatizing?
A) Mental illness B) Psychosis C) Lunatic D) Mentally challenged
Correct Answer: C) Lunatic Rationale: The Act used terms like “Lunatic,” which are now considered derogatory and have been replaced by more respectful terms like “Person with Mental Illness.”
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✅ 5. What was the main criticism of the India Lunacy Act, 1912?
A) It provided advanced psychiatric treatment. B) It focused only on voluntary admissions. C) It neglected the rights and dignity of mentally ill individuals. D) It promoted community-based mental health services.
Correct Answer: C) It neglected the rights and dignity of mentally ill individuals. Rationale: The Act was criticized for treating mentally ill persons as a threat to society rather than focusing on their treatment, rehabilitation, and rights.
Here is a Comparison Table of the India Lunacy Act, 1912, Mental Health Act, 1987, and Mental Healthcare Act, 2017—perfect for quick and effective revision:
Feature
India Lunacy Act, 1912
Mental Health Act, 1987
Mental Healthcare Act, 2017
Year of Implementation
1912
1987
2017 (Implemented in 2018)
Focus Area
Custody and confinement of mentally ill persons
Care, treatment, and management of mental illness
Protection of rights, dignity, and access to mental healthcare
Terminology Used
Lunatic, Asylum (Derogatory)
Mentally Ill Person
Person with Mental Illness (Respectful and humanized)
Approach
Institutionalization and custody
Institutional and hospital-based care
Rights-based, recovery-oriented, and community mental healthcare
Rights of Mentally Ill Persons
Not recognized
Limited recognition
Fully recognized and protected under law
Admission Criteria
Mainly involuntary, with legal procedures
Voluntary and involuntary, with some legal safeguards
Least restrictive treatment; emphasizes voluntary admission; strict criteria for involuntary admission
Human Rights Emphasis
Neglected
Partially addressed
Strong emphasis on human rights, privacy, dignity, and informed consent
Suicide Attempt
Considered a criminal offense under IPC 309
No clear decriminalization
Decriminalized suicide attempt (Care and treatment approach)
Guardianship Concept
Legal guardian appointed by court
Limited provision for guardianship
Introduces Nominated Representative (NR) chosen by the patient
Advance Directive
Not applicable
Not applicable
Allowed; patients can decide future care preferences when competent
Review and Monitoring
Board of Visitors
Mental Health Authorities established
Establishes Mental Health Review Boards and Authorities for monitoring and grievance redressal
Community Mental Health Services
Not provided
Limited focus
Strong emphasis on community-based rehabilitation and outpatient care
📌 Golden One-Liners for Quick Revision:
🧠 “India Lunacy Act, 1912 focused on custody, not care.”
🧠 “Mental Health Act, 1987 started recognizing patient rights but lacked full implementation.”
🧠 “Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 is rights-based, decriminalized suicide, and introduced Advance Directives and Nominated Representatives.”
🧠 “2017 Act aligns with the UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).”
✅ 1. Under which Act was the term “Lunatic” officially replaced with the respectful term “Person with Mental Illness”?
A) India Lunacy Act, 1912 B) Mental Health Act, 1987 C) Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 D) None of the above
Correct Answer: C) Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 Rationale: The 2017 Act modernized the terminology to promote dignity and respect, replacing derogatory terms like “Lunatic.”
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✅ 2. Under which Act is the concept of Advance Directive introduced for mental health patients?
A) India Lunacy Act, 1912 B) Mental Health Act, 1987 C) Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 D) Mental Health Care Ordinance, 2016
Correct Answer: C) Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 Rationale: The Advance Directive allows mentally ill individuals to state their treatment preferences in advance when they are competent.
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✅ 3. Which Act officially decriminalized suicide attempts, treating them as a mental health concern instead of a criminal offense?
A) India Lunacy Act, 1912 B) Mental Health Act, 1987 C) Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 D) Indian Penal Code, 1860
Correct Answer: C) Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 Rationale: Section 115 of the 2017 Act decriminalized suicide attempts, recognizing the need for care, not punishment.
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✅ 4. Under which Act was the concept of a Nominated Representative (NR) introduced to help patients make healthcare decisions?
A) India Lunacy Act, 1912 B) Mental Health Act, 1987 C) Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 D) None of the above
Correct Answer: C) Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 Rationale: The 2017 Act introduced the concept of NR, allowing patients to appoint someone to make decisions on their behalf during periods of incapacity.
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✅ 5. Which of the following correctly matches the legislative acts with their primary focus?
A) 1912 Act – Rehabilitation and Rights B) 1987 Act – Custody and Institutionalization C) 2017 Act – Rights-Based and Community Mental Health Approach D) 1987 Act – Community Mental Health Services
Correct Answer: C) 2017 Act – Rights-Based and Community Mental Health Approach Rationale: The 2017 Act emphasizes a rights-based approach, patient dignity, decriminalization of suicide, and the importance of community mental health services.
✅ 1. In which year was the India Lunacy Act implemented?
A) 1890 B) 1912 C) 1987 D) 2017
Correct Answer: B) 1912 Rationale: The India Lunacy Act was enacted in 1912 to regulate custody and confinement of mentally ill persons.
·
✅ 2. Which Act introduced the concept of protecting the human rights of mentally ill persons?
A) India Lunacy Act, 1912 B) Mental Health Act, 1987 C) Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 D) Indian Penal Code
Correct Answer: C) Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 Rationale: The 2017 Act focuses on patient rights, dignity, and humane treatment.
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✅ 3. Under which Act was the term “Lunatic” officially removed from legal terminology?
A) India Lunacy Act, 1912 B) Mental Health Act, 1987 C) Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 D) None of the above
Correct Answer: C) Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 Rationale: The Act promotes the use of respectful terms like “Person with Mental Illness.”
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✅ 4. Which Act officially decriminalized suicide attempts?
A) India Lunacy Act, 1912 B) Mental Health Act, 1987 C) Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 D) IPC, Section 309
Correct Answer: C) Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 Rationale: Section 115 of the 2017 Act decriminalizes suicide attempts.
·
✅ 5. Which Act introduced the concept of Advance Directives for mental health patients?
A) Mental Health Act, 1987 B) Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 C) India Lunacy Act, 1912 D) National Mental Health Programme
Correct Answer: B) Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 Rationale: Advance Directives empower patients to decide future treatment preferences.
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✅ 6. Under which Act was the concept of a Nominated Representative introduced?
A) India Lunacy Act, 1912 B) Mental Health Act, 1987 C) Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 D) None
Correct Answer: C) Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 Rationale: The patient can choose a trusted person to make decisions during incapacity.
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✅ 7. Which Act was focused primarily on the custody and confinement of mentally ill individuals?
A) India Lunacy Act, 1912 B) Mental Health Act, 1987 C) Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 D) None
Correct Answer: A) India Lunacy Act, 1912 Rationale: This Act emphasized confinement rather than care and rehabilitation.
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✅ 8. Which Act aligns India’s mental health laws with the UNCRPD (United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities)?
A) India Lunacy Act, 1912 B) Mental Health Act, 1987 C) Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 D) None of the above
Correct Answer: C) Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 Rationale: The 2017 Act is compliant with UNCRPD and focuses on rights-based care.
·
✅ 9. The right to community-based rehabilitation was introduced under which Act?
A) Mental Health Act, 1987 B) Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 C) India Lunacy Act, 1912 D) None
Correct Answer: B) Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 Rationale: The Act emphasizes deinstitutionalization and community care.
·
✅ 10. Who appoints the Mental Health Review Board under the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017?
A) Central Government B) State Government C) Chief Justice of India D) President of India
Correct Answer: B) State Government Rationale: State governments establish Mental Health Review Boards to safeguard patient rights.
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✅ 11. Which Act established Mental Health Authorities for better regulation of mental health services?
A) India Lunacy Act, 1912 B) Mental Health Act, 1987 C) Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 D) All of the above
Correct Answer: B) Mental Health Act, 1987 Rationale: The 1987 Act introduced Central and State Mental Health Authorities.
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✅ 12. Which Act introduced the right to free mental healthcare services for all persons with mental illness?
A) Mental Health Act, 1987 B) Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 C) India Lunacy Act, 1912 D) None
Correct Answer: B) Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 Rationale: The 2017 Act mandates free mental healthcare services from government institutions.
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✅ 13. Which Act introduced Mental Health Review Boards for grievance redressal?
A) Mental Health Act, 1987 B) Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 C) India Lunacy Act, 1912 D) None
Correct Answer: B) Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 Rationale: These boards protect patient rights and review decisions regarding treatment.
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✅ 14. Under the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, admission procedures emphasize which principle?
A) Maximum confinement B) Least restrictive care C) Immediate involuntary admission D) Prolonged hospitalization
Correct Answer: B) Least restrictive care Rationale: The Act promotes voluntary admission and community-based treatment.
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✅ 15. The term “mental hospital” was replaced by which modern term in the 2017 Act?
A) Mental Health Facility B) Asylum C) Custody Center D) Psychiatric Prison
Correct Answer: A) Mental Health Facility Rationale: The 2017 Act uses patient-centered and non-stigmatizing terminology.
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✅ 16. Under which Act was suicide attempt officially decriminalized in India?
A) Mental Health Act, 1987 B) Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 C) India Lunacy Act, 1912 D) Indian Penal Code
Correct Answer: B) Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 Rationale: This Act recognizes that individuals attempting suicide need care, not punishment.
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✅ 17. Which Act mandates free access to essential psychotropic medications?
A) Mental Health Act, 1987 B) Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 C) India Lunacy Act, 1912 D) None
Correct Answer: B) Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 Rationale: It ensures availability of essential medications free of cost in public hospitals.
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✅ 18. Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 ensures that mental health services must be:
A) Isolated and institutionalized B) Expensive and restricted C) Accessible, affordable, and of good quality D) Provided only in urban areas
Correct Answer: C) Accessible, affordable, and of good quality Rationale: This promotes inclusive healthcare for all citizens.
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✅ 19. Which Act first introduced the Central Mental Health Authority?
A) India Lunacy Act, 1912 B) Mental Health Act, 1987 C) Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 D) None
Correct Answer: B) Mental Health Act, 1987 Rationale: The 1987 Act established Central and State Mental Health Authorities for oversight.
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✅ 20. Which Act focused primarily on the protection and promotion of the rights of mentally ill persons?
A) Mental Health Act, 1987 B) Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 C) India Lunacy Act, 1912 D) None
Correct Answer: B) Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 Rationale: This Act guarantees a wide range of rights to persons with mental illness.
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✅ 21. Which of the following is a key feature of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017?
A) Prolonged hospitalization B) Isolation of mentally ill persons C) Decriminalization of suicide and introduction of Advance Directive D) Denial of free services
Correct Answer: C) Decriminalization of suicide and introduction of Advance Directive Rationale: These are major patient-centered reforms introduced under the 2017 Act.
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✅ 22. Under which Act is informed consent mandatory for treatment?
A) Mental Health Act, 1987 B) Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 C) India Lunacy Act, 1912 D) None
Correct Answer: B) Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 Rationale: The Act requires informed consent before initiating treatment, respecting patient autonomy.
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✅ 23. Which Act emphasizes community-based rehabilitation rather than institutionalization?
A) Mental Health Act, 1987 B) Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 C) India Lunacy Act, 1912 D) None
Correct Answer: B) Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 Rationale: It focuses on reducing institutionalization and promoting rehabilitation within the community.
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✅ 24. Which Act focuses on minimizing the use of involuntary admissions?
A) India Lunacy Act, 1912 B) Mental Health Act, 1987 C) Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 D) None
Correct Answer: C) Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 Rationale: The Act promotes voluntary admissions and uses involuntary admissions only under strict criteria.
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✅ 25. What is the ultimate objective of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017?
A) Provide custodial care to mentally ill persons. B) Ensure dignity, human rights, and access to mental health care. C) Promote isolation of mentally ill persons. D) Encourage hospitalization for all mentally ill persons.
Correct Answer: B) Ensure dignity, human rights, and access to mental health care. Rationale: The 2017 Act is a rights-based legislation that ensures patient dignity and access to quality mental healthcare services.
📚 Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act)
✅ I. Introduction / Definition
The NDPS Act, 1985 is a comprehensive law enacted by the Government of India to control and regulate the operations related to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, including their manufacture, possession, sale, purchase, transport, and consumption.
Enacted On: 14th November 1985
Came Into Force: 14th November 1985
Administered By: Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue
📖 Definition: Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act is a legislation to curb drug abuse and illegal drug trafficking in India by imposing strict penalties and creating regulatory mechanisms.
✅ II. Historical Background
Year
Development
1961
India signed the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (UN).
1971
India signed the Convention on Psychotropic Substances.
1985
NDPS Act was enacted to fulfill international obligations and address drug-related crimes.
❌ There was no specific Act in 1965 related directly to narcotics; however, drug control was managed under the Dangerous Drugs Act, 1930 until NDPS Act replaced it in 1985.
✅ III. Objectives of NDPS Act, 1985
To combat drug trafficking and substance abuse.
To regulate and control operations related to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
To fulfill international treaty obligations.
To impose strict punishment and penalties for violations.
To establish authorities for drug law enforcement.
✅ IV. Key Provisions of NDPS Act, 1985
Section
Provision
8
Prohibition on production, sale, and consumption of narcotic drugs without legal authorization.
20
Punishment for contravention in relation to Cannabis plant and Cannabis substances.
21
Punishment for possession of manufactured drugs or psychotropic substances.
22
Punishment for possession of psychotropic substances.
27
Punishment for consumption of drugs (e.g., cocaine, morphine, heroin).
31A
Death penalty for certain repeated offenses (amended to life imprisonment in 2014).
64A
Immunity from prosecution for addicts volunteering for de-addiction treatment.
✅ V. Punishments Under NDPS Act
Quantity
Punishment
Small Quantity
Imprisonment up to 1 year or fine up to ₹10,000 or both.
More Than Small but Less Than Commercial
Imprisonment up to 10 years and fine up to ₹1 lakh.
Commercial Quantity
Minimum 10 years, extendable to 20 years with fine from ₹1 lakh to ₹2 lakhs or more.
✅ VI. Key Agencies for Enforcement
Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) – Established in 1986 under the NDPS Act.
Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN).
State Police and Excise Departments.
✅ VII. Important Amendments
Year
Amendment Highlights
1988
Strengthened enforcement mechanisms.
2001
Made penalties proportional to the quantity of drugs seized.
2014
Allowed medical use of essential narcotic drugs for pain relief in palliative care.
✅ VIII. Golden One-Liners
NDPS Act came into force on 14th November 1985.
Section 27 deals with punishment for drug consumption.
Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) was established in 1986.
Death penalty was initially introduced but later amended in 2014.
Immunity is provided under Section 64A for addicts seeking treatment.
✅ IX. Top 5 MCQs for Practice
In which year was the NDPS Act enacted in India? a) 1965 b) 1975 c) 1985 d) 1990 ✔️ Correct Answer: c) 1985
Which section of the NDPS Act deals with the punishment for drug consumption? a) Section 8 b) Section 20 c) Section 27 d) Section 31 ✔️ Correct Answer: c) Section 27
When was the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) established? a) 1985 b) 1986 c) 1988 d) 1990 ✔️ Correct Answer: b) 1986
What is the minimum punishment for possession of commercial quantity under NDPS Act? a) 5 years b) 7 years c) 10 years d) 20 years ✔️ Correct Answer: c) 10 years
Which section provides immunity for addicts seeking de-addiction treatment? a) Section 8 b) Section 31A c) Section 64A d) Section 21 ✔️ Correct Answer: c) Section 64A
📚 Mental Health Acts of India
✅ I. Mental Health Act, 1987
📖 Introduction / Definition:
The Mental Health Act, 1987 was introduced to consolidate and amend laws related to the treatment and care of mentally ill persons, protect their rights, and regulate psychiatric hospitals and nursing homes.
It replaced the outdated Indian Lunacy Act, 1912.
📅 Came into Force: 1st April 1993
🎯 Objectives:
To protect the rights and dignity of mentally ill persons.
To provide for the establishment and regulation of psychiatric hospitals and nursing homes.
To ensure proper custody, treatment, and rehabilitation.
📌 Key Provisions:
Definition of Mentally Ill Person: A person requiring treatment for any mental disorder except mental retardation.
Establishment of Mental Health Authorities at the Central and State levels.
Provision for voluntary and involuntary admission into psychiatric hospitals.
Regulation of guardianship for mentally ill persons.
❌ Limitations:
Focused more on institutional care rather than community-based rehabilitation.
Did not fully address human rights and autonomy.
Used outdated terms like “mentally ill person” without defining mental health comprehensively.
✅ II. Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 (Replaced the 1987 Act)
📖 Introduction / Definition:
The Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 was passed to align with the United Nations Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
It focuses on protecting, promoting, and fulfilling the rights of persons with mental illness and ensuring mental health care services.
📅 Passed in Parliament: April 2017
📅 Came into Force: 29th May 2018
🎯 Objectives:
To ensure mental healthcare services are accessible and affordable.
To protect the rights and dignity of persons with mental illness.
To promote community-based mental health services.
To decriminalize the attempt to die by suicide (Section 115).
📌 Key Provisions:
Provision
Details
Right to Access
Every person has the right to access mental healthcare services.
Advance Directive
Allows individuals to specify their preferred treatment options in case of future mental illness.
Nominated Representative
A person can appoint someone to make decisions on their behalf during illness.
Decriminalization of Suicide
Attempt to commit suicide is no longer a criminal offense (Section 115).
Mental Health Review Boards
Set up to protect the rights of patients and review decisions regarding admission, treatment, etc.
Free Treatment
Government ensures free treatment for homeless and poor persons.
🌍 Human Rights Focus:
Protection from inhuman treatment.
Right to confidentiality and informed consent.
Right to live in the community, not just in institutions.
✅ III. Differences Between the 1987 and 2017 Acts
Feature
Mental Health Act, 1987
Mental Healthcare Act, 2017
Focus
Custodial Care
Rights-Based Approach
Suicide Attempt
Punishable Offense
Decriminalized (Section 115)
Advance Directive
Not Available
Available
Community Care
Not Emphasized
Strongly Promoted
Human Rights
Limited
Fully Protected
UNCRPD Compliance
No
Yes
Nominated Representative
Not Available
Available
✅ IV. Golden One-Liners
Mental Health Act 1987 came into force in 1993.
Mental Healthcare Act 2017 came into force on 29th May 2018.
Section 115 of the 2017 Act decriminalizes attempted suicide.
The 2017 Act ensures free treatment for homeless persons with mental illness.
Advance Directives and Nominated Representatives are key rights under the 2017 Act.
✅ V. Top 5 MCQs for Practice
In which year was the Mental Healthcare Act passed to replace the 1987 Act? a) 2014 b) 2015 c) 2017 d) 2018 ✔️ Correct Answer: c) 2017
Which section of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 decriminalizes suicide attempts? a) Section 99 b) Section 115 c) Section 112 d) Section 120 ✔️ Correct Answer: b) Section 115
Which concept allows individuals to state their preferred mental health treatment in advance? a) Mental Will b) Health Policy c) Advance Directive d) Health Declaration ✔️ Correct Answer: c) Advance Directive
Under the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, who can make decisions for a person during mental illness? a) Guardian b) Nominated Representative c) Legal Heir d) Caregiver ✔️ Correct Answer: b) Nominated Representative
Which international convention influenced the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017? a) UNCRPD b) WHO Health Rights Charter c) UNICEF Health Convention d) UN Child Rights Convention ✔️ Correct Answer: a) UNCRPD
📚🧠 Mental Health Act 1987 & 2017 (Latest Amendment)
📘 Important for GNM/BSc Nursing, NHM, AIIMS, NORCET, GPSC & Community Health Nursing Exams
✅ Definition of Mental Health Act:
The Mental Health Act is a legal framework enacted to protect the rights, dignity, and treatment of individuals with mental illnesses, ensuring proper care and preventing discrimination.
✅ “The Mental Healthcare Act ensures access to mental health services, protects human rights, and promotes community-based rehabilitation for persons with mental illness.”
🎯 Objectives of Mental Health Acts:
Safeguard the rights and dignity of persons with mental illness.
Ensure proper treatment, care, and rehabilitation.
Promote community-based mental health services.
Protect individuals from inhuman and degrading treatment.
Decriminalize attempt to suicide (under the 2017 Act).
✅ Key Features of Mental Health Act, 1987:
🟩 1. Custodial Care Focus:
Emphasis on institutionalization and treatment in mental hospitals.
Limited protection of patient rights.
🟨 2. Establishment of Mental Health Authorities:
Creation of Central and State Mental Health Authorities for supervision.
🟧 3. Definition of Mentally Ill Person:
Focused only on people with mental disorders requiring hospitalization.
🟥 4. Voluntary and Involuntary Admission:
Provided guidelines for admitting patients with or without consent.
🟦 5. Guardianship:
Provisions for appointing guardians for mentally ill persons incapable of self-care.
✅ Key Features of Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 (Replaced 1987 Act):
🟩 1. Rights-Based Approach:
Emphasizes human rights and dignity of mentally ill persons.
🟨 2. Advance Directive:
Individuals can specify in advance the type of treatment they prefer during mental illness episodes.
🟧 3. Nominated Representative:
Patients can appoint a representative to make healthcare decisions on their behalf.
🟥 4. Decriminalization of Suicide (Section 115):
Attempt to commit suicide is no longer a punishable offense.
🟦 5. Free Treatment Provision:
Ensures free treatment for homeless and poor persons with mental illness.
🟪 6. Community-Based Rehabilitation:
Promotes care and rehabilitation in community settings rather than institutions.
🟫 7. Mental Health Review Boards:
Established to protect patient rights and review admission/treatment decisions.
📚 Major Differences Between 1987 and 2017 Acts:
Feature
1987 Act
2017 Act (Latest)
Focus
Custodial Care
Human Rights & Community Care
Suicide Attempt
Punishable
Decriminalized (Sec 115)
Advance Directive
Not Available
Available
Nominated Representative
Not Available
Available
UNCRPD Compliance
No
Yes
👩⚕️ Nurse’s Role in Mental Health Care:
Advocate for patient rights and dignity.
Educate families and communities about mental health awareness.
Promote rehabilitation and community-based services.
Prevent stigma and discrimination against persons with mental illness.
📚 Golden One-Liners for Quick Revision:
Mental Health Act 1987 focused on custodial care; came into force in 1993.
Mental Healthcare Act 2017 came into force on 29th May 2018.
Section 115 of 2017 Act decriminalizes suicide attempts.
Advance Directive and Nominated Representative introduced under the 2017 Act.
Free treatment is ensured for homeless persons under the 2017 Act.
✅ Top 5 MCQs for Practice:
Q1. Under which Act is the attempt to commit suicide decriminalized? 🅰️ Mental Health Act, 1987 🅱️ Indian Penal Code ✅ 🅲️ Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 🅳️ None of the above
Q2. Which section of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 decriminalizes suicide attempts? 🅰️ Section 99 🅱️ Section 112 ✅ 🅲️ Section 115 🅳️ Section 120
Q3. What is an Advance Directive under the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017? 🅰️ A legal document for property transfer ✅ 🅱️ A document specifying preferred mental health treatment 🅲️ Financial assistance scheme 🅳️ None of the above
Q4. Who can make decisions for mentally ill persons under the 2017 Act? 🅰️ Family Guardian ✅ 🅱️ Nominated Representative 🅲️ Police Officer 🅳️ Local Leader
Q5. When did the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 come into force? 🅰️ 2014 🅱️ 2015 ✅ 🅲️ 29th May 2018 🅳️ 1st January 2017