JUDGMENT

1. The present Public Interest Litigation has been filed by one Ms. Devina Singh, a minor, through her father, resident of New Delhi, praying for directions to the Respondent authorities herein, for implementation of provisions of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 and its accompanying rules in educational institutions, specifically at the school and collegiate level. The Petitioner has sought for the following directions:-

“A. Direct the Respondents to implement the Mental Healthcare Act 2017 at schools and colleges for the benefit of the students.

B. Direct the Respondents to constitute the mental health establishment (including clinic/centre) as per the Chapter X (Sections 65 - 72) read with Section 2(p) of the Act in each district, schools, and colleges of the district.

C. Direct the Respondents to mandate the presence of clinical psychiatrists, counsellors, social workers and mental health professionals in each school and college of the district.

D. Direct the Respondents to make diagnosis and assessment of mental health mandatory in each school and college.

E. Direct the Respondents to implement the National Mental Health programme as formulated along with awareness and promo