Free mentally-ill patients from ‘faith’ homes, say activists

From Arulmigu Courtrallanathar temple and Hazrath Thameem Ansari Sahabiye Rasool dargah to the St Antony’s and St Michael’s churches, the State has at least a dozen such faith homes as per a list dated January 9, 2019.

Pointing out that these were not institutions helping those with mental disability, Dr Poorna Chandrika, deputy medical superintendent, Institute of Mental Health, said, “These are not centres, but places of worship where they are kept tied up. However, it is not necessary that persons with mental illnesses are kept tied up in all these places.” She added that even keeping them secluded within these premises was unacceptable.

Emphasising the need for temple and church authorities to be educated in this regard, she added, “Following the Erwadi tragedy, the High Court had mandated that such practices be avoided. Steps have been taken to provide treatment to persons with mental illnesses in an acceptable manner. An out-patient ward was also introduced there as a result. 

In the same way, the other places should follow the Erwadi model and designate proper authorities instead of letting the religious authorities to be in charge.” Noting how the practice continues to persist in the State even 18 years after the Erwadi tragedy, disability rights activists say this was happening not only in pilgrimage spots but also in organisations and residences.  The Supreme Court had stated that chaining of persons with mental illnesses is totally unacceptable, inhumane and violative of their fundamental rights.

Stressing that the apex court had issued notices to all States and Union Territories for effective implementation of the Mental Health Care Act, 2017, Krishnan H, an activist, said, “It is essential that such age-old practices are not followed as it is a serious violation of human rights.”