Supreme Court Criticises Kota Police Over Delay In Filing FIR In NEET Aspirant’s Suicide Case

The Supreme Court has sharply criticised the Kota Police for failing to register a First Information Report (FIR) in the suicide case of a NEET aspirant in Rajasthan.

The bench, comprising Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice R Mahadevan, summoned police officials on Friday and asked why they had not filed the FIR despite significant time passing since the incident.

The apex court emphasised that merely submitting an inquiry report while ignoring the guidelines established in the ‘Amit Kumar case’ amounts to delayed justice and evasion of responsibility.

It expressed deep concern over the rising number of student suicides, underlining the urgent need for a prompt and impartial investigation into such sensitive matters.

Concerns Over Rising Student Suicides And Institutional Accountability

The court reiterated similar concerns it had raised in previous orders dated 6 and 13 May 2025, referring to delays in both the IIT Kharagpur case and the ongoing Kota case.

The judges stated that such delays not only undermine justice but also erode institutional accountability and public trust.

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During the hearing, Additional Advocate General (AAG) Shiv Mangal Sharma, appearing for the Rajasthan government, informed the court that the Kota Police had submitted an inquiry report and would now file the FIR.

He added that authorities had formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate student suicides and unnatural deaths across the state.

“I appear before this Honourable Court with complete responsibility and assure that the investigation will reach its logical conclusion in accordance with the law,” Sharma said.

Coaching Institute’s Defence And Continued Supreme Court Oversight

Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing the coaching institute linked to the student, stated that the student had left the institute in November 2024 and was residing with her parents in Kota at the time of her death.

He also noted that the Rajasthan High Court is monitoring the case.

However, the Supreme Court declared that it will continue to independently oversee the matter to ensure justice is served.

Next Hearing Scheduled Amid Alarming Suicide Statistics

The court scheduled the next hearing for 14 July 2025. The rising trend of student suicides in Kota remains alarming, with 14 cases reported in 2025 alone, following 17 in 2024.

This troubling pattern raises urgent questions about the adequacy of mental health support and safety measures in the city.