On Friday (April 9, 2021), the Delhi High Court sought working status of mental health boards in the city after a man said there is no authority to consider his complaint against a psychiatrist, who told his mother about his homosexuality in breach of his privacy and confidentiality.
Justice Prathiba M Singh asked the State Mental Health Authority (SMHA), represented by advocate Tushar Sannu, to file status reports on the current functioning of the Mental Health Review Board. (MHRB), SMHA and its members, due to the plea of a 19-year-old man who was taking treatment from a psychiatrist after being diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in 2016.
The plaintiff, who is a student of BA Psychology (Hons) in Delhi University, was undergoing through treatment from a doctor at a private hospital from 15th June, 2019, and alleged the latter has violated and compromised his privacy.
The plaintiff informed the defendant that he was exploring his sexual orientation. He said that he specifically told the doctor that he was scared of his parent’s reaction and consequences if he told them about it.
Following this, on June 29th, 2019, he was referred to a clinical psychologist for cognitive behavioral therapy. During the subsequent session on September 14th, 2019, the doctor allegedly informed him that his mother would not accept a non-normative sexual orientation.
In June 2020, the doctor allegedly had a lengthy private conversation with his mother once again.
On June 25th, 2020, the man reportedly got to know that the doctor revealed his sexual orientation to his mother. The doctor revealed the details of his sexual orientation to his mother which was said by him in privacy.
The plea said that the man was still exploring his sexuality, had told the doctor in complete privacy. The plaintiff anticipated that his parents will most likely disagree.
“The process of coming out, that is informing others about one’s sexual orientation and identity, or both, which may include one’s family, friends and other close friends, is a deeply personal experience with profound implications on an individual’s life and safety. A person’s sexual orientation and gender identity is an intimate aspect and to discuss this, lies entirely with that person alone…” the plea read.
While the Delhi government represented by advocate, Devesh Singh, sought time to seek instructions, Sannu appearing for the SMHA, disputed the submissions of the petitioner. He said that both authorities are working even though there is a temporary arrangement in place.
Following this, the court asked him to file status reports and posted the matter for hearing on July 22, 2021.
