Central Advisory Group constituted to look into functioning of mental hospitals

The management of the mental hospitals in Ranchi, Agra and Gwalior came under the scrutiny of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India through Writ Petition No.339/86, and Writ Petition Nos.901/93, 80/94 and 448/94. By its order dated 11 November 1997, the Hon’ble Supreme Court requested the National Human Rights Commission to be involved in the supervision of the functioning of these three mental hospitals, in the same manner as that in which the Commission was requested to undertake similar work in respect of the Agra Protective Home.

Upon being entrusted this work, the Commission examined the scope and objectives of the remit of the Supreme Court, as also the manner in which the Commission should set about fulfilling the responsibilities assigned to it

Further, the Commission has constituted a Central Advisory Group for the purpose of advising the Commission on the nature of the duties and responsibilities envisaged by the order of the Supreme Court; the various steps to be taken to achieve these objectives and to review the progress of work.

The Central Advisory Group is headed by Mr.Justice M.N.Venkatachaliah, Chairperson, NHRC. Its other members are Shri Sudarshan Agarwal, Member, Shri N.Gopalaswami, Secretary General, and Shri R.V.Pillai, former Secretary General, NHRC; Secretaries of Ministry of Health and Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment; Chief Secretary, Government of Bihar and senior advocates of the Supreme Court.

The Group will, as and when required, request the Attorney General of India, Shri Soli S. Sorabjee, to advise the Group as a special invitee. It may also invite from time to time such other person or persons, whose expertise could be of guidance to the Group, to attend its meetings as Special Invitees. The Group will generally meet once in six months to review the progress of work, as well as to advise the Commission on the assignment.