‘Suicides In Educational Institutions’: SC Issues Pan-India Guidelines

Supreme Court

The Supreme Court on Friday took serious note of the rising cases of suicides and mental health issues among students across India and issued comprehensive pan-India guidelines to address the crisis in educational institutions, coaching centers, and other student-focused environments.

A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta pointed out a significant “legislative and regulatory vacuum” in the country regarding a unified and enforceable framework to prevent student suicides. Until appropriate laws or regulations are enacted, the court ordered 15 guidelines to be binding on all educational institutions nationwide.

Uniform Mental Health Policy Mandatory For Institutions

All educational bodies are required to implement a uniform mental health policy inspired by existing frameworks such as the “Ummeed” draft guidelines, the “Manodarpan” initiative, and the National Suicide Prevention Strategy. The court emphasized that this policy should be reviewed annually and made publicly accessible via institutional websites and notice boards.

The court recognized the Centre’s ongoing preventive efforts, including the Ministry of Education’s 2023 “Ummeed” draft aimed at curbing student suicides, and the “Manodarpan” initiative launched during the COVID-19 pandemic to support students’ mental well-being.

Strengthening Mental Health Support In Institutions

The Supreme Court mandated that all educational institutions with 100 or more students must appoint or engage at least one qualified counselor, psychologist, or social worker trained in child and adolescent mental health. Smaller institutions must establish formal referral links with external mental health professionals.

Safety Measures In Residential Institutions

Residential institutions were instructed to install tamper-proof ceiling fans or equivalent safety devices and restrict access to rooftops, balconies, and other high-risk areas to prevent impulsive self-harm attempts.

The court directed educational centers, especially coaching institutes, to avoid segregating students based on academic performance, public shaming, or assigning unrealistic academic targets. It also called for robust and confidential mechanisms to report and address sexual assault, harassment, ragging, bullying, or discrimination based on caste, class, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or ethnicity.

Zero Tolerance For Retaliation Against Complainants

Strict zero-tolerance policies were emphasized regarding any retaliation against whistleblowers or complainants. The court stressed the immediate referral of affected students to mental health professionals and prioritizing their safety. Institutional negligence leading to self-harm or suicide may result in legal and regulatory action against the administration.

Coaching centers in major hubs like Jaipur, Kota, Chennai, Hyderabad, Delhi, and Mumbai must adopt heightened mental health protections and suicide prevention strategies.

Broad Scope Of Guidelines

The guidelines apply universally to all educational institutions, including schools, colleges, universities, training centers, coaching institutes, residential academies, and hostels, regardless of their affiliations.

In a related case, the Supreme Court directed the formation of a National Task Force to focus on mental health concerns and suicide prevention in higher education. The court clarified that the current guidelines serve as interim protection until the task force’s recommendations are fully implemented.

States and Union Territories were instructed to notify rules within two months, requiring registration, student protection norms, and grievance redressal mechanisms for all private coaching centers.

Compliance & Monitoring

The Centre was directed to file a compliance report within 90 days, outlining steps taken to implement the guidelines and monitoring mechanisms. The matter is scheduled for review on October 27.

CBI Investigation Ordered In Unnatural Death Case

Regarding the case of the 17-year-old NEET aspirant from Vishakhapatnam who died unnaturally, the Supreme Court ordered the investigation be transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The CBI director was instructed to ensure the immediate registration and supervision of the case by a designated team.