The Delhi High Court has asked IIT to help curb student suicides due to academic stress. They want IIT to focus on counseling, emphasizing that good grades aren't the only measure of success. The court urges IIT to assure students that they can do well without letting the pressure get to them.

The court expressed apprehensions when addressing a petition related to the reported suicide of two IIT-Delhi students from a Scheduled Caste (SC) community last year. In response to the plea from the students' parents, who sought the court's intervention, the court considered the need for an impartial investigation into the alleged "caste-based atrocities" taking place within the institution and directed the registration of an FIR.

The police conducted an inquiry into the incidents that occurred in July and September of the previous year. The investigation revealed no evidence of caste-based discrimination. However, it was discovered that the deceased students were facing academic challenges, failing in multiple subjects, and experiencing pressure to improve their academic performance.

"This court can understand the sentiments of the parents of the deceased and deeply discourages the growing trend of pressuring young minds to perform the best in every aspect of life, leading them to take unfortunate steps," said Justice Rajnish Bhatnagar in the order released on Thursday.

The court emphasized the need for proactive measures from the faculty and staff at the Indian Institute of Technology, urging them to engage in conscious efforts to counsel, encourage, motivate, and invigorate the students.

Stressing the importance of conveying to young minds that while achieving good academic scores is significant, it is not the paramount aspect of life. The court highlighted that individuals can give their best without succumbing to the pressures or stress associated with the pursuit of academic excellence.

Furthermore, the court emphasized that instilling values such as prioritizing both physical and mental health is crucial during the student years. It asserted that fostering these values would equip young minds with the confidence to confront and overcome challenges throughout their lives.

Given the inability to substantiate the allegations raised by the petitioners, the judge declined to order an investigation into the purported caste atrocities. The petitioners contended that their children, who were successful in cracking the prestigious JEE-Advanced and securing admission to IIT-Delhi, experienced caste-based discrimination from certain faculty members. However, the court, in light of the lack of supporting evidence, chose not to direct a probe into the alleged incidents of caste-based discrimination.

The court acknowledged the tragic end to the academic careers of two brilliant and young students under distressing circumstances. However, it asserted that the relief sought by their parents could not be granted routinely solely based on sympathy or sentiments. The court emphasized the importance of a thorough examination of evidence and adherence to legal procedures in determining the appropriate course of action.

The court observed that a comprehensive inquiry into both cases, as reflected in the status report submitted by the Additional Standing Counsel for the State, revealed that neither of the deceased students had lodged any complaints with the police, SC/ST Cell of IIT-Delhi, or any friends on campus regarding caste-based discrimination.

While expressing empathy for the grieving parents and acknowledging the distressing circumstances leading to the extreme actions of the two students, the court underscored its inability to issue a mandamus solely on the grounds of sentiment or sympathy. The ruling emphasized the necessity for substantive evidence and adherence to legal standards in judicial decisions.