Has the Supreme Court Taken Suo Moto Cognizance of Student Suicides at IIT Kharagpur and Sharda University?
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Synopsis
The Supreme Court has stepped in to investigate student suicides at IIT Kharagpur and Sharda University. With rising concerns over mental health in educational institutions, the court is demanding accountability from these universities. The outcomes could lead to significant changes in how such cases are handled in the future.
Key Takeaways
- Supreme Court intervention in student suicides.
- Importance of timely FIR registrations.
- Concerns over mental health in educational institutions.
- Potential consequences for universities failing to act.
- Need for accountability from faculty members.
New Delhi, July 21 (NationPress) The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the tragic suicides among students at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur in West Bengal and Sharda University in Greater Noida. The court is questioning whether these educational institutions promptly informed the police to register FIRs regarding the incidents.
A bench consisting of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan has appointed senior advocate Aparna Bhatt as amicus curiae to investigate the timeliness of FIR registrations, in accordance with a ruling from the apex court made in March.
Justice Pardiwala raised concerns, stating, "If FIRs have not been filed or if there has been a delay in doing so, be prepared for consequences. We will initiate contempt proceedings and may send individuals to civil prison."
In a shocking span of just seven months, IIT Kharagpur has reported four unnatural deaths. The most recent case involved Ritam Mondal, a fourth-year mechanical engineering major, whose body was unearthed under suspicious circumstances in his hostel room on Friday.
In a similarly distressing incident at Sharda University, a second-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) student allegedly took her own life late Friday night in the girls' hostel situated on the university’s campus in Knowledge Park, Greater Noida.
A suicide note was found in her room, where she named a male and female faculty member from the dental department, accusing them of mental harassment. Following a complaint from her family, police filed an FIR against the named faculty members—referred to in the note as Mahender Sir and Shairg Ma'am—under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges of abetting suicide.
The heart-wrenching event has ignited protests on campus, resulting in the arrest of both educators.
Earlier in May, the Supreme Court expressed serious concerns about the rising number of such incidents in Kota, Rajasthan.
The bench led by Justice Pardiwala questioned the Rajasthan government's inaction, asking, "Fourteen students have committed suicide in Kota this year. What measures are being taken by the state? Why is this happening?"
In response, the Rajasthan Police filed FIRs in two separate student suicide cases—one at Kunhari Police Station and another at Mahavir Nagar Police Station.
Point of View
I believe that the Supreme Court's intervention highlights the urgent need for educational institutions to prioritize student well-being. The rising incidence of suicides is a national crisis that requires immediate attention from both authorities and the educational community. We stand with the nation in seeking justice and reform.
NationPress
21/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the Supreme Court to take action?
The Supreme Court's decision was prompted by rising student suicides at IIT Kharagpur and Sharda University, raising concerns about the handling of such incidents by educational institutions.
What is the role of the appointed amicus curiae?
The appointed amicus curiae, Aparna Bhatt, will investigate the timeliness of FIR registrations related to the suicides, ensuring compliance with the apex court's earlier judgments.
What consequences could the universities face?
If the universities fail to report the incidents or delay FIR registrations, they may face contempt proceedings and potential sanctions from the Supreme Court.
What incidents have occurred recently at these institutions?
IIT Kharagpur has reported four unnatural deaths in seven months, and Sharda University has witnessed a suicide linked to alleged faculty harassment.
How are these incidents impacting the student community?
These tragic events have sparked protests and raised significant concerns about mental health support and the overall environment for students in these institutions.
