Karnataka High Court asks security, police organisations to review mental health policies for armed personnel

The Karnataka High Court has instructed security and police organisations to reassess their policies regarding mental health support for personnel who carry firearms. In a recent ruling, Justice Suraj Govindaraj quashed criminal proceedings against a 37-year-old CISF Sub-Inspector who had attempted suicide in 2022 while on duty in Mangaluru.

The court determined that Section 115 of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, implies a presumption of severe stress, shifting the burden of proof to the prosecution to refute this. Since no such evidence was presented, the court dismissed the charges.

The court emphasized that armed personnel are human beings with personal lives, relationships, and challenges. They are not immune to grief, anxiety, financial issues, marital problems, illness, or other common human difficulties, despite their professional roles. The court noted that the expectation for them to remain constantly available for duty, regardless of their personal circumstances or mental state, necessitates a shift in institutional perspective.

To address this, the organisations must ensure that confidential counselling, mental healthcare, and timely treatment are readily available to all personnel, including those in remote areas. Commanding and supervisory officers are required to be trained to identify signs of distress and provide necessary assistance. Additionally, personnel who receive treatment for mental health issues should receive adequate support for their rehabilitation and return to duty, based on professional assessments.

The court stressed that the well-being of these personnel and the security of the public are not mutually exclusive goals. A force that prioritises the mental and physical health of its personnel is better positioned to maintain discipline, operational readiness, and public safety.