Section 42: Grant of leave from hospital.

(1) The responsible medical officer may grant to any person who is for the time being liable to be admitted in a hospital under this Act, leave to be absent from the hospital subject to such considerations necessary in the interest of the person or for the protection of other persons.
(2) Leave of absence may be granted under this section either indefinitely or for a specified period, and where leave is granted for a specified period, that period may be further extended as the responsible medical officer may think fit.
(3) The responsible medical officer may by notice in writing to the person or to the person for the meantime in charge of the patient, revoke the leave of absence for the recall of the person to the hospital if it appears to him that it is necessary to do so in the interest of the patient's health and safety and the protection of others.
(4) A patient to whom a leave of absence is granted, under this section shall not be recalled under subsection (3) after he has ceased to be liable to be detained under this Act.
(5) In all cases of removal of patient to hospital for the first time or removal of a patient who breaches the condition of leave of absence, the police shall be available to render assistance.