India’s evolving conversation on disability and mental health law reflects both constitutional promise and structural neglect. The Act created Mental Health Review Boards, guaranteed access to mental health services, and sought to eliminate coercion in treatment. Yet, together they reveal the central paradox of Indian disability law — two parallel statutes that rarely intersect where they are most needed. New legislationIn 2024, India’s disability rights landscape underwent a critical shift from policy neglect to judicial enforcement. Moving from just symbolismIndia’s disability and mental health laws mark an ethical evolution — from protectionism to empowerment.

Source: The Hindu January 22, 2026 06:10 UTC