SC Worried Over Rise In Student Suicides At IIT Kharagpur, Sharda University
“Let the investigation in both incidents proceed further expeditiously, in accordance with law and in the right direction”: Court Bench
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday expressed serious concern over the rising instances of student suicides, particularly at IIT Kharagpur and Sharda University in Greater Noida, and directed that investigations into both cases proceed “expeditiously and in accordance with law.”
A bench comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan has been hearing a matter concerning suicide deaths at educational institutions across the country.
Referring to the suicide of a fourth-year mechanical engineering student at IIT Kharagpur, the bench questioned the institution’s counsel: “What is wrong with your IIT Kharagpur? Why are students committing suicide? Have you given this issue any thought? What steps have you taken?”
In relation to a similar incident involving a female student at Sharda University, the bench ordered: “Let the investigation in both incidents proceed further expeditiously, in accordance with law and in the right direction.”
Senior advocate Aparna Bhat, appearing as amicus curiae, apprised the court of the current status of investigations in both cases. Referring to a 30-page status report on the Sharda University case, she noted that a suicide note had been found naming two individuals, both of whom were arrested.
When the bench inquired whether an FIR had been registered in the Sharda University case, Bhat confirmed that it had. Upon learning that the deceased student’s father had lodged the FIR, the bench asked, “How did the father come to know that his daughter had committed suicide? Who informed him?”
Calling the incident deeply unfortunate, the bench observed: “Why are you not complying with our directions? We have delivered a full-fledged judgment. We are doing this for our children, for our progeny. Was it not your duty to immediately inform the police and the parents?”
This was directed at the counsel representing Sharda University.
In defence, IIT Kharagpur’s counsel informed the court that a 10-member committee had been formed and a 12-member counselling centre was functioning at the institute.
“The counselling centre uses different methods to identify at-risk students, but most of them do not want to reveal what they are going through,” the counsel said.
In the IIT Kharagpur case, Bhat informed the court that the complaint had been lodged by the institution itself. The investigation in that matter is currently ongoing.
The bench was further informed that a Supreme Court-appointed task force is working on the broader issue of mental health in higher education institutions, and will place a preliminary report on record in due course.
The bench has posted the matter for further hearing after four weeks.
Earlier, on July 21, the apex court had taken suo motu cognisance of the student deaths at both institutions and asked the amicus curiae to submit a status report.
In March, the court had taken serious note of the increasing student suicides in higher education and constituted a national task force to address mental health challenges and recommend preventive measures.