A person suffering from a mental illness may be allowed to decide whether or not he wants to receive treatment if the Mental Healthcare Bill drafted by the Union Health Ministry comes through. The bill, which will be brought before the Cabinet for the final nod, introduces a new clause, Advance Directive, which empowers any person – who has the capacity to make decision – to decide on the treatment they want to receive.

The concept, though new to India, is popular in many western countries.