The Kerala High Court recently took an empathetic step beyond its conventional role by ensuring psychiatric care for a litigant suffering from schizophrenia. The man, who appeared in person, had approached the court fearing preventive detention proceedings against him.

The Division Bench of Dr Justice Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice Jobin Sebastian heard the petition and noted that the government pleader categorically stated no proceedings were pending against the petitioner. Observing unusual behaviour during the hearing, the judges referred him to a clinical psychologist attached to the Victim Rights Centre (VRC), functioning under the Kerala State Legal Services Authority (KeLSA). The psychologist’s preliminary assessment confirmed schizophrenia, which was corroborated when the Public Prosecutor reiterated that no case existed against the petitioner.

To ensure proper medical intervention, the bench personally interacted with the petitioner and his father, encouraging him to seek treatment. The court also requested advocate Parvathi Menon A, noted for her pro bono work with underprivileged communities and involvement with the VRC, to facilitate his referral to the Psychiatry Department of the Government Medical College Hospital, Ernakulam.

The bench recorded with satisfaction that, owing to her efforts, the petitioner began treatment and was showing steady improvement. A subsequent medical report recommended supervised medication, regular long-term follow-up, and continuous psychosocial support.

When the petitioner appeared again, he assured the judges that he would continue treatment as advised. Closing the writ petition as infructuous, the court wished him well in his recovery.
(With LiveLaw inputs)