Today, the Supreme Court noted the alarming pattern of student suicides in educational institutions and directed Delhi Police to register an FIR and investigate the suicidal deaths of two SC/ST students at IIT-Delhi.

A bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan directed the DCP (South-West District) to register the FIR and assign an officer, not below the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police, to conduct the investigation.

"We need not say anything further as investigation of any crime is within the domain of the police," the bench said.

The court emphasized that the responsibility for ensuring the safety and well-being of students rested primarily with the administration of each educational institution.

"Therefore, in the event of any unfortunate incident, such as a suicide occurring on campus, it becomes their unequivocal duty to promptly lodge an FIR with the appropriate authorities," it added.

The court further stated that such action is not just a legal duty but also a moral obligation to uphold transparency, accountability, and justice. It also underscored that the police must act with diligence and responsibility by registering the FIR without any refusal or delay.

The court stressed that the "harmonious discharge" of duties by both educational institutions and law enforcement agencies is crucial to preventing such tragedies and maintaining public trust in societal institutions.

"Each suicide is a personal tragedy that prematurely takes the life of an individual and has a continuing ripple effect, affecting the lives of families, friends and communities," the court said.

The court remarked that it was "high time" to take cognizance of this "serious issue" and develop comprehensive, effective guidelines to address and mitigate the underlying causes of student distress.

The Supreme Court directed the formation of a National Task Force to tackle student mental health concerns and prevent suicides in higher educational institutions.  

The task force will be led by former Supreme Court judge, Justice S. Ravindra Bhat.

"We direct the chief secretaries of all the states/union territories to nominate a high ranking officer, not below the rank of joint secretary in the Department of Higher Education of the respective state/union territory, to act as the nodal officer....," the order said.

The court directed all departments and authorities of the respective States and UT's to cooperate with the designated nodal officer and provide necessary information, data, and assistance as required.  

The judgment was delivered in response to an appeal filed by the parents of two students who had died, challenging a Delhi High Court order that refused to register an FIR in the case.  

In July 2023, BTech student Ayush Ashna was found hanging in his hostel room. On September 1, 2023, Anil Kumar (21), a BTech student from Uttar Pradesh’s Banda district, was also found dead in his hostel room at the institute. Kumar had joined IIT in 2019.  

The complaints alleged that their deaths were not suicides but murders resulting from a conspiracy, further claiming caste-based discrimination by IIT faculty and staff.