The Indian Lunacy Act of 1912 established the legal framework for the reception, care, and treatment of people with mental illnesses in India. The Act had 8 chapters that defined key terms, outlined procedures for involuntarily committing individuals based on medical examinations and court orders, established visitors to oversee asylum conditions, and granted courts power over the care and property of committed individuals. It also allowed state governments to establish and license asylums, provided for the costs of maintaining individuals in asylums, and enabled rulemaking around the reception and detention of lunatics.

1. INDIAN LUNACY ACT
1912
EARNEST LAMUEL

2. Indian Lunacy Act
After a careful consideration of all details by a
Select Committee, the bill was passed as the
Indian Lunacy Act, 1912.
The Indian Lunacy Act have 8 Chapters.

3. Chapter I
The definitions of the terms:-
Asylum
Medical Practitioner
Lunatic
Who will judge them
What Will be the care for
them
After the court order, who
will be responsible for their
property and belongings.

4. Chapter II
Reception of Lunatics – Like no person other than criminal
lunatic, or a lunatic, so found by inquisition shall be received
or detained in an asylum without reception order, as provided
by sections 8, 16 & 98.

5. Chapter II - Components
Procedure upon petition for reception order.
Detention of lunatic pending enquiry.
Consideration of petition.
Further provisions as to reception orders on petition.
Power to appoint substitute for the person upon whose
application reception order has been made.

6. Chapter III - Components
Appointment of visitors – The state government shall
appoint for every asylum not less than three visitors.
One of whom at least shall be a medical officer.
Monthly inspection by visitors.
Inspection of criminal lunatics by inspector – general or
visitors

7. Chapter IV
Proceedings in lunacy in presidency towns.
The courts having jurisdiction under high courts of
Judicature at Fort William, Madras and Bombay.
Judicial powers over person and estate of lunatic.
Management and Administration
Power to dispose lunatic’s property for certain purposes.

8. Chapter V
Proceedings in lunacy outside presidency towns.
Inquisition – District court and finding there on.
Custody and management.
Power to district collector.
Power to district court to appoint guardian and manager.
Relative may sue for an account.

9. Chapter VI
Establishment of Asylums
State government may establish or license the
establishment of asylums.
Power to cancel license if provision for curative treatment
is insufficient.
Provision for admission of lunatics in asylums outside a
state.

10. Chapter VII
Expenses of lunatics
Cost of maintenance by government
Application of poverty in the possession of a lunatic found
wandering
Application of civil court for order for the payment of cost
of maintenance out.

11. Chapter VIII
Rules
Power of state government to make rules.
Penalty to improper reception or detection of lunatics.
Power to give effect to warrants and order of certain courts
outside India
Ranchi European Mental Hospital establishment.

12. Thank You