Supreme Court Orders Immediate Reporting of Student Suicides

The Supreme Court has mandated all higher education institutions to report student suicides or unnatural deaths to the police immediately. Institutions must ensure safe and inclusive learning environments, report annually to the UGC, fill faculty vacancies, and expedite scholarship disbursements, highlighting the broader issue of student well-being.

In a significant directive, the Supreme Court has mandated that all higher education institutions (HEIs) across the nation must report any instances of student suicides or unnatural deaths to police authorities immediately upon discovery. This measure underscores the vital responsibility of these institutions to maintain safe and inclusive environments for students.

The ruling by the bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan also requires HEIs to submit an annual report on student suicides to the University Grants Commission (UGC) and other relevant educational regulatory bodies. The aim is to ensure institutional accountability and to address the underlying issues contributing to student distress.

Furthermore, the Supreme Court has emphasized filling faculty vacancies promptly, prioritizing positions reserved for marginalized communities, and ensuring timely scholarship disbursements. These steps are part of a broader strategy to promote the mental well-being of students and enhance the overall quality of higher education.

(With inputs from agencies.)