The Supreme Court of India on Monday expressed grave concern over the alarming rise in student suicides at premier institutions like IIT Kharagpur and Sharda University, questioning whether enough is being done to address the growing mental health crisis among students.
A bench comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan made strong observations during a suo motu hearing into the disturbing pattern of suicides across higher educational institutions in the country.
“What is wrong with IIT KGP? Why are students committing suicide? Have you given a thought to it?” the bench asked, as reported by Bar & Bench.
During the proceedings, the court was informed that IIT Kharagpur has set up a 10-member internal committee and a 12-member counselling centre, which operates 24×7 and provides psychological support to students via a dedicated phone line.
Senior advocate M.R. Shamshad, representing the institute, stated that many students hesitate to come forward with their struggles, which complicates early intervention. “The counselling centre operates in multiple ways and remains available at all hours,” he said.
The court’s concern follows the tragic suicide of a fourth-year mechanical engineering student on July 18—the fourth unnatural death at IIT Kharagpur in just seven months.
Amicus Curiae Senior Advocate Aparna Bhat submitted a detailed report on both the IIT Kharagpur and Sharda University incidents. She confirmed that IIT Kharagpur authorities had lodged a police complaint within 30 minutes of discovering the student’s death, which was promptly converted into an FIR. The investigation remains ongoing.
In the Sharda University case, the court was informed about the suicide of a dental student who left behind a note naming two individuals she held responsible for her death. This prompted further questioning from the bench.
“Why didn’t the university management immediately inform the police and her parents? Why did the father have to lodge the FIR?” Justice Pardiwala asked sharply.
Senior Advocate Shyam Divan, appearing for Sharda University, responded to the court’s queries. Amicus Curiae Bhat added that the individuals named in the suicide note had since been arrested, and legal proceedings were underway.
The bench took note of the situation and recorded in its order:
“We are informed that so far as the incident at Sharda University is concerned, the FIR was lodged by the father of the deceased, and the investigation is in progress. Let it proceed by law. So far as the IIT Kharagpur case is concerned, the management filed a complaint within 30 minutes, which was converted into an FIR. The investigation is also in progress. Let both proceed expeditiously and in the right direction.”