Supreme Court Issues Guidelines to Curb Student Suicides
- 26 Jul 2025
On 25th July 2025, the Supreme Court of India issued a landmark judgment outlining nationwide guidelines to address the rising mental health concerns and suicides among students across educational institutions and coaching centres.
Key Points
- Mental Health Policy Mandated: All educational institutions are directed to implement a uniform mental health policy based on the "Ummeed" draft, the "Manodarpan" initiative, and the National Suicide Prevention Strategy, with annual reviews and public accessibility.
- Qualified Mental Health Personnel: Institutions with 100 or more students must appoint at least one qualified counsellor, psychologist, or social worker trained in child and adolescent mental health, while smaller institutions must establish referral systems with external professionals.
- Infrastructure Safety Measures: Residential institutions are instructed to install tamper-proof ceiling fans and restrict access to rooftops, balconies, and other high-risk areas to prevent impulsive self-harm attempts.
- Anti-Discrimination and Student Protection: Strict measures must be enforced to prevent segregation based on academic performance, public shaming, or unrealistic academic targets.
- Institutional Accountability: Institutions will face regulatory and legal consequences for failing to take timely or adequate action in incidents that result in student harm or suicide, with such failures treated as institutional culpability.
