SC questions IIT Kharagpur, Sharda University over student suicides; What is wrong there? Details here

The Supreme Court has raised alarms regarding the rising number of student suicides at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, and Sharda University, Greater Noida. The court has begun proceedings and inquired about the motivations for the suicides. The court established a committee and a counseling center to tackle mental health concerns. The court has additionally issued suggestions to address the rising suicidal tendencies among students.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court today on Monday expressed serious concern over the increasing cases of student suicides at Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur and (IIT-KGP) and Sharda University, Greater Noida. On 21 July the Apex Court had taken suo motu cognizance of these suicides and initiated proceedings, reports Dynamite News correspondent.

The Two Judge Bench comprising Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice R. Mahadevan asked, “What is wrong with IIT KGP? Why are students committing suicide? Have you given a thought to it?”

The Counsel appearing for the IIT Kharagpur submitted to the Top Court that a 10-member committee has been formed to look into the matter. The Counsel further said that there is a Counselling Centre to locate students facing mental problems.

The request arose during the hearing of a suo motu case started by the court concerning the student suicides at IIT Kharagpur and Sharda University.

The legal representative for IIT-Kharagpur informed the court that a committee of ten members has been formed to tackle the mental health issues of the students. The attorney also stated that a counseling center is operating and that proactive measures, including a specific helpline, are in place to recognize and assist students dealing with mental health issues.

Regardless of these points, the Court was evidently unhappy and emphasized the importance of the matter, as well as the necessity for robust institutional measures to avert similar calamities.

Concerning the current investigation, the court stated that in the Sharda University matter, an FIR has been filed by the deceased student's father, and the inquiry is ongoing.

In the IIT-Kharagpur incident, the institute allegedly notified the police within 30 minutes, resulting in the registration of an FIR. The court ordered that the two investigations must proceed in the "proper direction and following the law."

The bench also acknowledged the suicide case at IIT Delhi on June 4, where it was informed that no FIR has been filed yet. The court instructed that this issue be brought up to the amicus curiae in the case.

The upcoming hearing for the case is set for four weeks from now.

On Friday, the Supreme Court released recommendations to tackle the increasing suicidal behaviors in students. The court will evaluate the necessity of student mental health and the responsibility of leading institutions in protecting student well-being.