Tripura govt notices to 19 unregistered rehab and mental health centres

Tripura's mental health authority has served notices to 19 unregistered rehab and care centres. The move follows safety concerns, including a death case, and warns of legal action.The action includes a notice to Swapna Foundation in Agartala for allegedly running a mental health or rehabilitation facility for drug addicts without registration. (PTI)The Tripura State Mental Health Authority has issued notices to 19 unregistered rehabilitation centres and mental health institutions operating across the state, an official said on Sunday.The action includes a notice to Swapna Foundation in Agartala for allegedly running a mental health or rehabilitation facility for drug addicts without registration.The authority has asked all 19 organisations to reply within seven days of receiving the notices and explain why action should not be taken against them under the law. The official said centres found to be non-compliant were compromising the safety and rights of patients.The notice to Swapna Foundation was served recently after the alleged death of a drug addict at the facility, the official said. In that case, 12 people, including the foundation's founder, were arrested, he added. The organisation has been asked to explain why action should not be taken against it under the relevant provisions of law. “If no satisfactory reply is submitted within the stipulated period or if the organisation fails to cooperate with the investigation, action may be taken against it ex parte,” the official said.Another notice was issued to 18 organisations for allegedly providing treatment and rehabilitation services to people with mental illness and drug addiction without valid registration or permission under the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017. Section 65(1) of the Act prohibits the operation of a mental health establishment without registration with the competent authority. These organisations have also been directed to respond within seven days, failing which ex parte action could be taken if they do not submit a satisfactory reply or cooperate with the proceedings.- EndsPublished By: India Today Web Desk Published On: Sep 13, 2026 14:02 IST