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| Mental Health Care Act, 2017 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Parliament of India | |
| |
| Citation | Act No. 10 of 2017 |
| Territorial extent | India |
| Passed by | Rajya Sabha |
| Passed | 30 March 2017 |
| Passed by | Lok Sabha |
| Passed | 27 March 2017 |
| Assented to | 7 April 2017 |
| Commenced | 29 May 2018 |
| Legislative history | |
| First chamber: Rajya Sabha | |
| Bill title | Mental Health Care Bill, 2013 |
| Bill citation | Bill No. LIV of 2013 |
| Introduced by | Ghulam Nabi Azad |
| Introduced | 19 August 2013 |
| Committee report | Standing Committee Report |
| Final stages | |
| Reported from conference committee | 20 November 2013 |
| Repeals | |
| Mental Health Act, 1987 | |
| Status: In force | |
In India, the Mental Health Care Act 2017 was passed on 7 April 2017 and came into force from 29 May 2018. The act effectively decriminalized attempted suicide which was punishable under Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code.[1] The law was described in its opening paragraph as "An Act to provide for mental healthcare and services for persons with mental illness and to protect, promote and fulfill the rights of such persons during delivery of mental healthcare and services and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto."[2] This Act superseded the previously existing Mental Health Act, 1987 that was passed on 22 May 1987.
It states that mental illness be determined "in accordance with nationally and internationally accepted medical standards (including the latest edition of the International Classification of Disease of the World Health Organization) as may be notified by the Central Government." Additionally, the Act asserts that no person or authority shall classify an individual as a person with mental illness unless in directly in relation with treatment of the illness.
- ^ "Mental health bill decriminalising suicide passed by Parliament". The Indian Express. 27 March 2017. Archived from the original on 27 March 2017. Retrieved 27 March 2017.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
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