Redefining the Homeless with Psychosocial Disabilities: A Delicate Matter of Rehabilitation, According to SC
The Supreme Court of India is actively monitoring a case seeking the formulation and implementation of a comprehensive national rehabilitation policy for homeless individuals suffering from psychosocial disabilities. A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta is hearing the petition filed by advocate Gaurav Kumar Bansal.
The Court has expressed grave concern and underscored the urgency and sensitivity of the issue. The Central government has been directed to treat the matter with utmost seriousness and expedite action, with the Court remarking, "You need to take it very seriously and as less time as possible."
The Centre has informed the court that deliberations and interdepartmental meetings are underway, and it has sought eight weeks to submit a progress report. However, the Court has stressed that existing legal frameworks like the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, and the National Mental Health Policy, 2014, are insufficient in the absence of effective implementation and compliance.
The petitioner highlighted how homeless individuals with psychosocial disabilities are neglected and often mistreated due to the lack of structured rehabilitation mechanisms. The Court suggested the creation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for various stakeholders, including the police department and medical health departments, to ensure coordinated, humane, and rights-based rehabilitation efforts.
The bench has not yet made a decision on the case. The Centre's counsel referred to the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, during the hearing. The petitioner argues that the lack of a structured national policy on homelessness and mental illness has led to a breakdown of the system, leaving thousands without access to medical care, shelter, or social entitlements.
Psychosocial disabilities refer to the challenges people with mental health issues face due to discrimination, lack of support, among others. The plea seeks directions for the framing and implementation of SOPs for key stakeholders to address these issues effectively.
As the case progresses, the Supreme Court will continue to press the government for urgent and effective rehabilitation measures, with a progress update expected within eight weeks from July 25, 2025.
[1] The Indian Express: "Supreme Court seeks Centre's response on plea for rehabilitation of homeless with psychosocial disabilities" (https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/supreme-court-seeks-centres-response-on-plea-for-rehabilitation-of-homeless-with-psychosocial-disabilities-8153686/) [2] The Hindu: "SC seeks Centre's response on plea for rehabilitation of homeless with psychosocial disabilities" (https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/sc-seeks-centres-response-on-plea-for-rehabilitation-of-homeless-with-psychosocial-disabilities/article32101437.ece) [3] Live Law: "Supreme Court Seeks Centre's Response on Plea for Rehabilitation of Homeless Persons with Psychosocial Disabilities" (https://www.livelaw.in/news-updates/supreme-court-seeks-centres-response-on-plea-for-rehabilitation-of-homeless-persons-with-psychosocial-disabilities-168625) [4] Bar & Bench: "Supreme Court Seeks Centre's Response on Plea for Rehabilitation of Homeless Persons with Psychosocial Disabilities" (https://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/supreme-court-seeks-centres-response-on-plea-for-rehabilitation-of-homeless-persons-with-psychosocial-disabilities) [5] The Wire: "Supreme Court Seeks Centre's Response on Plea for Rehabilitation of Homeless Persons with Psychosocial Disabilities" (https://thewire.in/law/supreme-court-seeks-centres-response-on-plea-for-rehabilitation-of-homeless-persons-with-psychosocial-disabilities)
- The ongoing case in the Supreme Court of India is centered around the development of a comprehensive national rehabilitation policy for homeless individuals suffering from psychosocial disabilities, which is crucial for their health and wellness.
- The Court has emphasized the need for immediate action in this matter, as it pertains to mental health, a subject that requires attention in science, health-and-wellness, and therapies-and-treatments domains.
- The petitioner's plea underscores the need for Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in policy-and-legislation, affecting various departments such as the police and medical health departments, to ensure effective and humane rehabilitation efforts for the homeless with psychosocial disabilities.
- The progress of this case will have far-reaching implications for the general news landscape, as it calls for urgent policy changes in politics, touching upon the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, and the National Mental Health Policy, 2014, among other issues.
