Supreme Court Expresses Concern Over Rising Suicide Incidents In IITs & IIMs

The Supreme Court has raised grave concerns regarding the growing suicide incidents at IITs and IIMs, urging for a more comprehensive system to prevent such cases.

During a hearing, Justice Suryakant and Justice N Kotishwar Singh emphasized the need for addressing mental health issues within educational institutions to prevent these tragic incidents.

Rise In Suicide Cases At Premier Institutes

Senior advocate Indira Jaisingh told the bench that IITs and IIMs have reported 18 suicide cases in the last 14 months.

The court noted the critical need for robust intervention mechanisms, expressing deep regret over these incidents.

In response, the bench assured that a strong framework will be established to tackle these issues.

Lack Of Accountability From Universities

The court learned that universities and colleges have not complied with its directive to provide data on suicides occurring within their campuses.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta noted that the University Grants Commission (UGC) had proposed draft regulations to address the concerns raised, and the court urged officials to consider the suggestions from petitioners to improve these regulations.

Special Cell For Equal Opportunity

The petitioners also highlighted that a large number of universities and colleges have not established Equal Opportunity Cells (EOC) as mandated by law.

The court directed the UGC to consider the petitioners’ suggestions regarding these regulations.

The petitioners further requested that the Supreme Court direct the UGC to enforce the implementation of the 2012 Higher Education Institutions Regulation Act.

The petition raised concerns about caste-based discrimination faced by students and faculty, particularly those from Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST).

It also called for establishing special cells within institutions to address complaints of discrimination, thus ensuring the mental well-being and equal opportunities for marginalized groups in educational settings.

The petition filed in connection with the suicides of Rohith Vemula and Payal Tadvi urges the court to enforce stronger regulations and ensure a more supportive environment in higher education institutions to prevent suicides and caste-based discrimination.

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