The Supreme Court of India has directed the formation of a National Task Force to address student mental health concerns and prevent suicides in higher educational institutions (HEIs). The decision was taken in response to a petition filed by the parents of two students from IIT Delhi who allegedly died by suicide due to caste-based discrimination and academic pressure.
The Court emphasized that educational institutions must go beyond academics and ensure a safe and inclusive environment for students. The judgment highlighted the increasing cases of student suicides in HEIs, pointing to the inadequacy of existing policies in addressing mental health challenges.
"The recurring instances of student suicides in Higher Educational Institutions, including private educational institutions, serve as a grim reminder of the inadequacy and ineffectiveness of the existing legal and institutional framework... A National Task Force is being constituted to address this issue comprehensively," the Court observed.
The Task Force will be chaired by former Supreme Court Judge, Justice S. Ravindra Bhat, and will include leading experts from various fields. Its primary responsibilities include:
- Identifying causes behind student suicides, such as ragging, caste-based or gender-based discrimination, sexual harassment, academic stress, financial burden, and social pressures.
- Reviewing existing policies related to student welfare and mental health services in HEIs.
- Recommending legal reforms to strengthen protections under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, and other relevant laws.
- Conducting surprise inspections in universities to assess student support mechanisms.
- Developing a national action plan for mandatory mental health services in HEIs.
The Court has directed the Task Force to submit an interim report within four months and a final report within eight months.
The case was brought to the Supreme Court after the Delhi High Court refused to issue a writ for registering an FIR in connection with the suicides of two IIT Delhi students, Ayush Ashna and Anil Kumar. Their families alleged that their deaths resulted from caste-based discrimination and harassment by faculty and students.
Despite multiple complaints, the police failed to register FIRs, only conducting an inquiry under Section 174 of the CrPC, concluding that the students had taken their lives due to academic pressure. The Supreme Court found this response inadequate and mandated stricter measures to address the issue.
"The police cannot turn a blind eye when complaints clearly indicate caste-based discrimination and abetment to suicide. A proper investigation is required to ensure justice," the Court stated.
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The Supreme Court ruled that universities must take full responsibility in cases of student suicides. It directed that in the event of such an incident, institutions must immediately register an FIR with the police.
"Educational institutions are not just centers of learning but are responsible for the well-being and holistic development of students. They must foster an inclusive culture where every student feels safe and supported," the Court noted.
The ruling also mandates the appointment of a high-ranking officer from each state and union territory to coordinate with the Task Force. These officers will act as nodal points for data collection, policy implementation, and feedback mechanisms.
To ensure the smooth functioning of the National Task Force, the Court has ordered the Union of India to deposit Rs. 20 lakhs with the Registry within two weeks. The Court clarified that this amount is separate from the financial responsibility of the Ministry of Education, which will also support the initiative.
"We direct the Union of India to deposit an amount of Rupees Twenty Lacs (Rs. 20,00,000/-) within two weeks for the initial operations of the Task Force. Additional funds may be requested as needed," the Court ordered.
Case Title: AMIT KUMAR & ORS. VERSUS UNION OF INDIA & ORS.
Appearance:
For Petitioner(s) 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.
For Respondent(s) 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.
