Bhopal Police Reminded of Duty to Aid Mentally Ill, Destitute
Police HQ issues orders, citing regulations and Mental Healthcare Act. Assistance to be provided using contingency funds.

The Police Headquarters in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, has issued orders to field units reminding them of their duty to assist mentally ill and destitute individuals. This move comes after reports of such individuals wandering in various districts, including Bhopal and Indore.
The orders, issued by the Crime Investigation Department (CID), cite the Police Regulations and the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, which mandate that assisting mentally ill and destitute people is part of the police's duties. The CID has instructed police commissioners and superintendents of police to ensure strict adherence to these provisions.
According to the order, it is the police's responsibility to provide protection and all possible assistance to individuals found in public places who are mentally unwell, sick, or destitute. District officials have been instructed to arrange food, clothing, medicines, and necessary medical treatment for such individuals using the district police's contingency expenditure funds.
Depending on the need, these individuals are to be admitted to health centres or mental health hospitals, or handed over to their families. The order also states that police personnel who perform exceptionally well in such sensitive and humanitarian tasks, as well as citizens who assist in these efforts, will be honoured with appropriate rewards.
The order references Paragraph 405 of the Police Regulations, which instructs officers to provide all possible assistance to sick or destitute persons found in public places. Additionally, it cites Section 100 of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, which states that it is the statutory obligation of the local police to take mentally ill and destitute individuals into protective custody and ensure their safety.
Special DG Pankaj Srivastava emphasized the importance of police personnel performing their humanitarian duties. The police force is committed to providing assistance to those in need, and this order serves as a reminder of their responsibilities.
The issuance of this order highlights the police's commitment to protecting and assisting vulnerable members of society. By providing aid to mentally ill and destitute individuals, the police can help ensure their safety and well-being.
In conclusion, the Bhopal Police Headquarters' reminder to field units of their duty to aid mentally ill and destitute individuals is a significant step towards upholding the police's humanitarian obligations. This move demonstrates the police force's commitment to protecting and assisting those in need, and it is expected to have a positive impact on the community.
The police's efforts to assist mentally ill and destitute individuals are crucial in ensuring their safety and well-being. By working together with citizens and other organizations, the police can make a significant difference in the lives of these individuals.
Overall, the issuance of this order is a positive development that highlights the police's commitment to their humanitarian duties. It is expected to have a lasting impact on the community and serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting and assisting vulnerable members of society.
The order is a significant step towards ensuring that the police force is equipped to handle situations involving mentally ill and destitute individuals. By providing clear guidelines and instructions, the police can ensure that they are providing the necessary assistance and support to those in need.
In the end, the police's duty to aid mentally ill and destitute individuals is a critical aspect of their role in protecting and serving the community. By upholding this duty, the police can help create a safer and more supportive environment for all members of society.
Frequently asked questions
What is the police's duty towards mentally ill and destitute individuals?
The police's duty is to provide protection and all possible assistance to individuals found in public places who are mentally unwell, sick, or destitute.
How will the police provide assistance to mentally ill and destitute individuals?
The police will arrange food, clothing, medicines, and necessary medical treatment for such individuals using the district police's contingency expenditure funds.