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NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday gave the Centre it’s last opportunity to frame standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the rehabilitation of homeless persons with psychosocial disabilities.Describing them as “destitute to the extreme” and “most vulnerable”, a bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, while hearing a PIL seeking directions for the formulation and implementation of a policy for such persons, posted the matter for hearing on February 9 after the Centre sought time to file its reply.”We are giving you a last opportunity to frame the SOPs and file the reply. It is a sensitive issue and all depends on the effective implementation of the SOPs. These are people who are destitute to the extreme and most vulnerable. Please file the draft SOPs on the next date of hearing,” the bench told senior advocate Nachiket Joshi, appearing for the Centre.Advocate Gaurav Bansal, the petitioner appearing in person, told the court that this was the third time the Centre had failed to file a reply to the PIL.”The issue pertains to homeless people who are mentally ill and roam around the streets and public places for food. They need to be rehabilitated,” Bansal said.The court was informed that the Centre had earlier stated on December 19 that two sets of draft SOPs were being prepared for the rehabilitation of such persons. On an earlier occasion, the apex court had asked the Centre to take the issue “very seriously” after the government said authorities were deliberating on the matter and holding meetings.The plea seeks directions for framing and implementing SOPs for key stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies and medical health departments, to ensure humane and effective handling of homeless persons with psychosocial disabilities.It highlights that such individuals often face neglect, social isolation, and physical and sexual abuse instead of being provided appropriate care.The petition states that despite existing legal and policy frameworks, including the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, and the National Mental Health Policy, 2014, authorities have failed to operationalise provisions meant to protect homeless people suffering from mental illnesses.The petitioner has also said the absence of a structured national policy on homelessness and mental illness has led to a “complete breakdown of the system, leaving thousands of individuals to fend for themselves” without access to medical care, shelter, or social entitlements.
