Court directs Thane hospital to assess schizophrenic man amid guardian petition

The plea filed by the man's friend mentioned the man owns two properties and other assets but is unable to manage them due to his worsening mental health.

In Short

• Thane man suffers from paranoid schizophrenia symptoms, lacks support
• Friend petitions court to appoint guardian for vulnerable patient
• Patient owns properties, unable to manage assets due to health, says petition

The Bombay High Court on Thursday directed Regional Mental Hospital in Thane to form a medical board to assess a 51-year-old Thane man reportedly suffering from paranoid schizophrenia. Patients with paranoid schizophrenia are characterised by symptoms like delusions and hallucinations.

The man, who is now alone after the recent death of his mother, is living in poor conditions with no immediate family to assist him, stated the petition filed by the patient's friend.

The bench of Justices Arif Doctor and Somsekhar Sundaresan's directive came during a hearing on a petition from a friend of the patient. The petitioner sought the court's intervention to appoint a guardian and property manager for his friend.

Reviewing the case, Justices Doctor and Sundaresan stated, "We are satisfied that a case for the appointment of a guardian has been made out. However, it is first necessary to constitute a Medical Board."

The petitioner reported that the man owns two properties and other assets but is unable to manage them due to his worsening mental health.

Advocate Abhishek Mookherjee, representing the petitioner, informed the court that the patient had stopped taking medication after his mother's death in July.

The plea described deteriorating symptoms, including hallucinations, aggression, and neglect of personal hygiene and financial responsibilities.

"His behaviour has become increasingly erratic, manifesting as sudden aggression, incoherent muttering, abusive language, extreme social withdrawal, and a complete disregard for personal hygiene and safety. His actions are marked by a consistent lack of awareness of reality, leading him to engage in conduct that is perilous both to himself and to those in his proximity," The petitioner stated in the plea.

The friend also noted incidents such as unpaid electricity bills and reckless spending of his inheritance, suggesting a severe decline in his friend’s mental and financial state.

The Thane hospital must submit a report by November 14, which will guide the court’s decision on further actions.