The Bombay High Court expressed concern over the "alarming" increase in student suicides within higher education and urged authorities to implement immediate measures to address the issue.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Amit Borkar emphasized that the mental and physical well-being of students is a crucial aspect of their overall development.

The high court was addressing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by child rights activist Shobha Panchmukh, who highlighted the rising incidence of student suicides. The plea requested that the court instruct Mumbai University (MU) to issue a directive to all affiliated colleges, mandating the inclusion of counselors to support students' mental health.

The PIL highlighted the insufficient measures in place to address and prevent suicidal tendencies among students in higher education.

"Such a situation is alarming and calls for immediate measures by all concerned," the bench said.

The bench further stated that universities are legally required to foster a healthy environment and ensure the welfare of students as mandated by the Maharashtra Universities Act. "In our view, the university has a duty to create a college atmosphere where suicides are prevented," it said. 

The court instructed the petitioner to include the University Grants Commission as a respondent, noting that many colleges are becoming autonomous. It also directed the Maharashtra government, Mumbai University, and the Higher and Technical Education Department to submit affidavits within three weeks.