The Bombay High Court on Thursday directed the Thane District Mental Hospital to constitute a medical committee to evaluate a 51-year-old Thane man who is said to be suffering from paranoid schizophrenia. People with paranoid schizophrenia are characterized by symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations.
The petition submitted by the patient’s friends said the man was now alone and living in deplorable conditions with no immediate family to help him following the recent death of his mother.
Justices Arif Doctor and Somsekhar Sundaresan gave the direction during a hearing on a petition filed by the patient’s friend. The petitioner sought court intervention to appoint a guardian and property manager for his friend.
Judges Doctor and Sundaresan, reviewing the case, said: “We are satisfied that the case for the appointment of a guardian has been established. However, it is first necessary to form a medical board.”
The petitioner reported that the man owned two properties and other assets but was unable to manage them due to deteriorating mental health.
Abhishek Mookherjee, the lawyer representing the petitioner, told the court that the patient had stopped taking medication after his mother’s death in July.
The plea describes worsening symptoms, including hallucinations, aggression and neglect of personal hygiene and financial responsibilities.
“His behavior became increasingly erratic, characterized by sudden aggression, incoherent muttering, abusive language, extreme social withdrawal and a complete disregard for personal hygiene and safety. His behavior continued to lack a sense of reality, resulting in him Engaging in his conduct is dangerous to himself and those around him,” the petitioner said in his plea.
The friend also mentioned incidents such as unpaid electricity bills and reckless spending of inheritances, which indicated a serious deterioration in his friend’s mental and financial condition.
Tarn Hospital has until November 14 to submit a report that will guide the court’s decision on further action.
