The Kerala High Court recently acknowledged a significant step taken by the state government in the realm of mental health care. On Tuesday, the government informed the High Court that it had officially issued a notification renaming state-managed mental health institutions as ‘Happiness and Wellness Centres.’ This change, documented in [The High Court Legal Aid Committee v The State of Kerala], aims to address and reduce the stigma traditionally associated with mental health facilities.
During a session presided over by Justices Devan Ramachandran and Basant Balaji, Advocate General Jaju Babu confirmed the issuance of the notification on September 7. The court noted, “The learned Advocate General Jaju Babu informs us that the notification renaming the Centres as ‘Happiness and Wellness Centres’ has already been issued and handed over. We see that the notification mentioned by the learned Advocate General has been placed on record, with notification no [so and so], dated 07.09.2026, and included in the memo dated 08.09.2026.” This renaming initiative is part of a broader effort to transform perceptions and improve the environment of mental health services.
The court’s engagement began when the High Court Legal Aid Committee filed a petition addressing the conditions of these institutions. The petition highlighted the pressing need for reforms and improvements, which prompted the court to express concerns about the negative connotations linked to mental health centers.
In a related development during the hearing, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and the Indian Psychiatric Society (IPS), represented by Senior Counsel, indicated their interest in discussing the new designation. The court has allowed these organizations to present their suggestions to the Principal Secretary of the Health Department by September 14. The relevant authority, or any other suitable official designated by the government, will convene with representatives from these bodies and any interested medical professionals on September 16 at 11 AM. The court expects a report on these deliberations by September 22.
Moreover, the High Court has extended the deadline for Advocate General Jaju Babu to provide updates on whether the government is addressing critical issues, such as staffing shortages, perimeter security, consistent medication availability, and transportation provisions at the centers. Senior Counsel VV Ashokan, supported by advocate Litto Palathinkal, represented the interests of the IMA and IPS, while Advocate V Ramkumar Nambiar took on the role of amicus curiae.
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This proactive approach by the Kerala High Court and the subsequent government actions mark a significant shift towards modernizing and destigmatizing mental health care in the state, reflecting a broader commitment to the well-being and dignity of individuals seeking mental health support.
