Delhi HC Raises Alarm Over Student Suicides, Declines To Intervene In UGC Anti-Ragging Contract Dispute

Delhi High Court

The Delhi High Court has expressed serious concern over the rising number of student suicides in higher education institutions, highlighting the urgent need for a robust, functional, and responsive anti-ragging system.

The remarks came as the court disposed of 2 petitions filed by the Aman Satya Kachroo Trust, which had challenged the University Grants Commission’s decision to award the National Ragging Prevention Programme contract to the Centre for Youth Society.

Court Calls For Immediate Action

A bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Anish Dayal stressed that student suicides are becoming increasingly frequent and that urgent intervention is required.

The judges remarked, “A proper, functional, and effective Anti-Ragging Helpline is certainly an immediate and utmost necessity. This can brook no delay lest we lose more young lives to this scourge.”

The court’s concern was further amplified by recent media reports, including heartbreaking incidents from premier institutions like IIT Kharagpur. In taking judicial notice, the court referred to the Supreme Court’s ruling in Amit Kumar and Ors. v. Union of India (2025), which resulted in the establishment of a National Task Force to address student mental health and suicide prevention.

Professor Rajendra Kachroo’s Role Recognised

The court acknowledged the contribution of Professor Rajendra Kachroo, founder of the Aman Satya Kachroo Trust, who has been actively involved in the anti-ragging programme since its inception in 2012. Professor Kachroo has also been appointed as a member of the National Task Force by the Supreme Court.

While recognising his significant role in anti-ragging initiatives, the court declined to interfere with the UGC’s current contract with C4Y Society, which is set to remain in force until December 31, 2025. The bench observed that concerns raised by the Trust—such as tender irregularities, weakening of independent oversight, and a resurgence in ragging incidents—are being addressed by the Task Force.

Support & Collaboration Encouraged

The court also recorded that the UGC had approved a payment of ₹12.73 lakh to the Trust for its earlier services, in compliance with prior orders. Demonstrating his commitment to student welfare, Professor Kachroo offered to continue monitoring the anti-ragging database on a voluntary basis without seeking any compensation.

Focus On Ensuring Student Welfare

Though the court chose not to disrupt the existing arrangement, it emphasised that the issues raised by the Trust cannot be ignored. The National Task Force has been directed to thoroughly examine the concerns and ensure that the anti-ragging programme genuinely protects students and serves their best interests.

With student mental health and safety emerging as a critical concern, the court’s intervention underscores the importance of swift and coordinated action, while encouraging continued collaboration between governmental bodies and civil society organisations.