Mental Health and Substance Abuse — Landmark Judgments

Landmark Judgments

K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India

2017

While primarily a privacy judgment, it significantly reinforced the right to dignity, which is intrinsically linked to mental health and autonomy. The Court held that the right to…

Aruna Shanbaug v. Union of India

2011

This case, though related to euthanasia, brought to the forefront the complex issues surrounding the right to die with dignity and the state's role in end-of-life care for…

Sheela Barse v. Union of India

1986

This landmark case, though predating the MHAct 2017, laid the groundwork for humane treatment of prisoners and undertrials, including those with mental health issues. The Supreme…