PANAJI
The lawyer representing Suchana Seth, the founder of an AI start-up -- accused of killing her four-year-old son – has sought a re-examination of her mental health by the Mental Health Authority.
The Authority, headed by a retired judge, also has mental health professionals, psychologists, social workers, etc., as its members.
“Her mental health assessment was conducted only by a psychologist without knowing her history. We therefore seek a re-evaluation by the Mental Health Authority, recognised by the Ministry of Health Services,” her lawyer argued before the Children’s Court that concluded the hearing into her father’s plea and reserved the verdict for February 28.
The lawyer also stated that necessary documents (medical history) have been submitted to the Court.
The family sought a fresh mental health assessment after a report from the Institute of Psychiatry and Human Behaviour (IPHB) in Bambolim confirmed she is mentally fit/ stable. The Calangute police had submitted this government-certified report to the Court a fortnight ago, which was subsequently challenged.
Sources revealed that Seth’s therapist for Parental Counselling in Bengaluru also confirmed that her psychological health is normal.
With the verdict pending, the Court extended Seth’s remand on Monday. The techie is accused of killing her four-year-old son at a Candolim service apartment on January 8 and has remained in custody since then without applying for bail.
