Delhi High Court Orders Checks on De-addiction Center

The Delhi High Court has ordered city authorities, including police, to investigate allegations of involuntary detentions at a de-addiction centre, following a petition from a man claiming his friend was admitted forcibly by his wife. The court, led by Justice Prathiba M Singh, mandated periodic random checks of the admission register to ensure compliance with the Mental Healthcare Act and that patients are admitted voluntarily. The petitioner’s counsel argued that several individuals were being unjustly detained, while the centre disputed this, claiming voluntary admissions. Random inspections will be conducted by the State Mental Health Authority and other relevant departments to verify compliance. The case highlights concerns over patient rights and the potential for coercive admissions in mental health facilities.