In a move that could reshape how society views mental health care, the Kerala High Court has warmly welcomed the state government’s decision to rebrand mental health centers as “happiness and wellness centers.” The court believes this symbolic shift will help dismantle deep-seated stigma that has long shadowed patients, their families, and even the facilities themselves.

Key facts

  • Renaming initiative aims to reduce stigma around mental health.
  • Division Bench of Justices Devan Ramachandran and Basant Balaji endorsed the change.
  • Court visited centers in Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur, and Kozhikode.
  • Next hearing scheduled for September 15, 2026.

A Catalyst for Change

The Division Bench, comprising Justice Devan Ramachandran and Justice Basant Balaji, didn’t mince words. “Even the places where these centers are functioning are, very often, referred to rather pejoratively,” they noted. But there’s hope: “We are sure that the change of name will catalyse the change that we want to see.” The justices recently toured facilities in Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur, and Kozhikode, witnessing firsthand the challenges—and potential—within these walls.

Urgent Needs and Human Rights

While the name change is a positive step, the court emphasized that tangible improvements can’t wait. Violations of human rights, often unintentional but stemming from lack of resources, must be addressed immediately. The Bench outlined four critical areas: hiring sufficient attenders, cooks, dhobis, and security personnel; building secure compound walls; ensuring uninterrupted medicine supplies; and providing at least one vehicle per center for logistics like food transport.

“Such violations, when against even constitutional rights, require the State, as we have said in our earlier orders, to sit up and remedy immediately.”

Government’s Commitment

The Advocate General assured the court that the government is tackling infrastructure and staffing issues with “full sincerity.” Aligning with the ethos of a welfare state, he pledged that no stone would be left unturned to make these centers “worthy of human existence and treatment,” despite resource constraints. The court acknowledged that some fixes need time and investment but stressed that human rights can’t be deferred.

The matter is set for further hearing on September 15, as Kerala takes a meaningful step toward blending compassion with care.