Section 113 - Mental Healthcare Act, 2017

113. Power of State Government to supersede State Authority.-

(1) If at any time the State Government is of the opinion-

(a) that on account of circumstances beyond the control of the State Authority, it is unable to discharge the functions or perform the duties imposed on it by or under the provisions of this Act; or

(b) that the State Authority has persistently defaulted in complying with any direction given by the State Government under this Act or in the discharge of the functions or performance of the duties imposed on it by or under the provisions of this Act; or

(c) that circumstances exist which render it necessary in the public interest so to do, the State Government may, by notification and for reasons to be specified therein, supersede the State Authority for such period, not exceeding six months, as may be specified in the notification:

Provided that before issuing any such notification, the State Government shall give a reasonable opportunity to the State Authority to make representations against the proposed supersession and shall consider representations, if any, of the State Authority.

(2) Upon the publication of a notification under sub-section (1) superseding the State Authority, -

(a) the chairperson and other members shall, as from the date of supersession, vacate their offices as such;

(b) all the powers, functions and duties which may, by or under the provisions of this Act, be exercised or discharged by or on behalf of the State Authority shall, until the State Authority is reconstituted under sub-section (3), be exercised and discharged by the State Government or such authority as the State Government may specify in this behalf;

(c) all properties owned or controlled by the State Authority shall, until the State Authority is reconstituted under sub-section (3), vest in the State Government.

(3) On or before the expiration of the period of supersession specified in the notification issued under sub-section (1), the State Government shall reconstitute the State Authority by a fresh appointment of its chairperson and other members and in such case any person who had vacated his office under clause (a) of sub-section (2) shall not be deemed to be disqualified for re-appointment.

(4) The State Government shall cause a notification issued under sub-section (1) and a full report of any action taken under this section and the circumstances leading to such action to be laid before the State Legislature at the earliest.