In a significant development, the Supreme Court on May 6 directed the Union Government to deposit ₹20 lakhs within two days for the National Task Force (NTF) on student mental health and suicide prevention, while also seeking status reports on recent student suicides in IIT Kharagpur and Kota.
The bench, comprising Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice R Mahadevan, emphasized the Union’s responsibility to comply with its earlier orders. The Court had previously instructed the Union to provide ₹20 lakhs as an initial fund for the NTF, which will address rising suicides among students in higher educational institutions (HEIs). The NTF will be led by Justice SR Bhat and include nine other members.
The Supreme Court expressed concern over two recent student suicides — one involving a 22-year-old Civil Engineering student from IIT Kharagpur, identified as Mohammad Asif Qamar from Bihar's Sheohar District, and another involving an 18-year-old NEET aspirant in Kota, Rajasthan.
Referring to the IIT incident, the Court noted that Asif Qamar was found hanging in his hostel room (Madan Mohan Malaviya Hall) on May 4. According to media reports, he was on a video call with a friend from Delhi shortly before his death. The Court specifically questioned whether the IIT Kharagpur administration had registered an FIR as directed in the “Amit Kumar & Ors. vs. Union of India & Ors.” case.
Regarding the Kota incident, where the 18-year-old NEET aspirant was found hanging in her room, the Court highlighted that this was the 14th suicide by a coaching student in Kota this year alone. It further noted that a total of 17 student suicides were reported in Kota last year. The Court asked for an update on whether an FIR was registered in this case as well.
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The Court observed a delay in the Union’s compliance with the previous order to deposit ₹20 lakhs for the NTF's operations. On May 6, the bench directed the Union to ensure the immediate submission of the demand draft for the specified amount to the Registry.
“We grant two days' time to the Union to deposit this amount to the Registry,” the bench stated.
“The learned Additional Solicitor General has the demand draft of ₹20,00,000 dated 11-4-2025 ready with him. Let this Demand Draft be deposited with the Registry today itself.”
The NTF, established by the Supreme Court, is designed to tackle mental health challenges faced by students and curb the alarming rise in suicides in educational institutions. The task force is expected to develop strategies for mental health support, awareness, and crisis management for students.
The bench underscored that in the event of a student suicide on campus, it is the duty of the educational institution to immediately file an FIR with the concerned authorities. This directive aligns with the Court’s decision in the “Amit Kumar Case,” where similar guidelines were laid down.
The Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing for May 13, seeking status reports on the two incidents, including the FIR status and any action taken by the respective institutions.
The Court’s proactive stance highlights the urgent need for effective measures to protect students' mental health and prevent suicides in educational environments.
Counsel for Petitioners : Mr. Mehmood Pracha, Adv; Mr. R. H. A. Sikander, AOR; Mr. Jatin Bhatt, Adv.; Mr. Sanawar, Adv.; Mr. Kshitij Singh, Adv.; Ms. Nujhat Naseem, Adv.; Mr. Sikander, Adv
Counsel for Respondents: Mr. Brijender Chahar, A.S.G.; Mr. Mukesh Kumar Maroria, AOR; Mr. Abhijit Pandove, Adv.; Mr. Amit Sharma Ii, Adv.; Mrs. Bani Dikshit, Adv.; Mr. Varun Chugh, Adv.; Mr. Gaurang Bhushan, Adv. ; Ms. Mrinal Gopal Elker, AOR; Ms. Chhavi Khandelwal, Adv.
Case Details : AMIT KUMAR & ORS. v. UNION OF INDIA & ORS.| Criminal Appeal No(s). 1425/2025
