The Supreme Court of India has recently taken a strong stance on the alarming issue of student suicides occurring on university campuses, stating that "something is seriously wrong with the educational system". This followed the cognizance of recent suicide cases at IIT Kharagpur and Sharda University. The court has demanded detailed reports from both institutions and has warned of potential contempt proceedings if First Information Reports (FIRs) are delayed in such cases.
The court's concern arises from a series of disturbing incidents. In one instance, a fourth-year mechanical engineering student at IIT Kharagpur was found dead in his hostel room, marking the fourth unnatural death at the campus since January 2025. Similarly, a second-year dental student at Sharda University was found dead in her hostel room, with a suicide note blaming faculty members for mental harassment. Her father has also alleged that the university staff tried to destroy evidence, leading to the arrest of two teachers. More recently, a 19-year-old architecture student at Woxsen University in Sangareddy was also found to have died by suicide in his hostel room.
These incidents are not isolated cases. The rising number of student suicides across various campuses highlights a systemic problem within educational institutions. Activists and families are pointing to a failure in the existing redressal systems designed to support students, particularly those from marginalized communities. There is increasing scrutiny on the effectiveness of Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) and SC/ST cells, which are often perceived as dysfunctional and more concerned with protecting the institution's interests than the students' welfare.
The pressures faced by students are multifaceted. Academic stress, discrimination, and lack of adequate mental health support contribute to a hostile environment for many. In the Sharda University case, allegations of harassment and threats of failure by faculty members paint a grim picture of the pressures students can face. The suicide of the IIT Kharagpur student, with the institute claiming no prior indicators of mental health concerns, also raises questions about the detection and management of student mental health.
The Supreme Court's intervention underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms. Educational institutions must prioritize creating a safe and inclusive environment that promotes empathy and support. This includes strengthening mental health services, ensuring fair and effective redressal mechanisms, and addressing issues of discrimination and harassment. The court's active role signals a crucial step towards holding institutions accountable and ensuring the well-being of students.
Furthermore, the court's actions highlight the need for timely and transparent investigations into student suicides. The warning of contempt proceedings for delayed FIRs emphasizes the importance of thorough and impartial inquiries to uncover the truth and prevent future tragedies. It remains to be seen what specific measures will be implemented following the reports from IIT Kharagpur and Sharda University, but the Supreme Court's involvement offers a glimmer of hope for change.
