Court urges State to overcome procedural delays in appointing MD Psychiatrists to enhance mental healthcare services
In a significant directive aimed at strengthening mental healthcare services, the Chhattisgarh High Court has instructed the State Government to accelerate the recruitment process for MD Psychiatrists. The judgment, delivered by Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Ravindra Kumar Agrawal, underscores the urgency of filling specialized posts to mitigate prejudice to the public. The court highlighted procedural delays, particularly the repeated insistence on financial approvals, as a key impediment to timely recruitment.
The case, initiated by the Chhattisgarh High Court Legal Service Committee against the State of Chhattisgarh, addresses the systemic challenges in recruiting mental health professionals. Despite the State's efforts, including forwarding proposals for six MD Psychiatrist posts to the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (CGPSC), the recruitment process has stalled, pending approval from the Finance Department since March 5, 2026.
The court noted that while obtaining financial approvals is procedurally required, these should not cause unwarranted delays. It emphasized that financial sanction, once granted, should not need repeating for each recruitment cycle, especially for posts crucial to public health.
The judgment also acknowledged the State's proactive steps in recruiting Counselors and Clinical Psychologists, with document verification completed and appointment recommendations submitted. Additionally, the recruitment of a Pathologist through CGPSC has been finalized.
Despite these efforts, challenges persist due to limited postgraduate intake and stringent regulatory conditions. The National Medical Commission's approval for only three MD Psychiatry seats at Pt. J.N.M. Medical College, Raipur, has constrained the pool of specialists. The court recognized these systemic issues but stressed the need for continuous efforts to ensure uninterrupted mental healthcare services.
The judgment mandates the Secretary, Department of Health & Family Welfare, to file an updated affidavit detailing the progress of the recruitment process by April 28, 2026. It reflects the court's commitment to overseeing the State's compliance with its directives and ensuring the public's access to essential mental health services.
Bottom Line:
Recruitment process for specialized posts in mental healthcare must be expedited to avoid prejudice to the public at large. Procedural formalities, such as seeking repeated financial approvals, should not cause undue delays in recruitment.
Statutory provision(s): Chhattisgarh Medical Post-Graduate Admission Rules, 2025, National Medical Commission regulations.
