The Supreme Court has raised serious concerns over the alarming rise in student suicides in Kota, Rajasthan, questioning why such incidents are concentrated in the city. A bench comprising Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan grilled the Rajasthan government, demanding accountability for the 14 student suicides reported so far this year.
Supreme Court’s Concerns
During the hearing, Justice Pardiwala asked the state’s counsel, “What are you doing as a state? Why are these children dying by suicide, and only in Kota? Have you not given a thought as a state?” The court emphasized that the issue is not just about individual cases but a systemic failure that needs urgent intervention.
Cases Under Scrutiny
The Supreme Court was reviewing two specific cases:
- The death of a 22-year-old IIT Kharagpur student, who was found hanging in his hostel room on May 4.
- The suicide of a NEET aspirant, who was living with her parents in Kota.
Delay in FIR Filing
The court expressed strong disapproval over the four-day delay in filing an FIR for the IIT Kharagpur student’s death, which was registered only on May 8. The bench warned authorities, stating, “Don’t take these things lightly. These are very serious things.” The court also questioned why no FIR had been filed in the case of the NEET aspirant.
National Task Force on Student Suicides
The Supreme Court referred to its March 24 verdict, which acknowledged the recurring issue of student suicides in higher educational institutions. As part of this ruling, a national task force was established to address mental health concerns and prevent such tragedies. The court stressed that FIRs must be filed promptly in such cases, in accordance with this judgment.
Rajasthan Government’s Response
The Rajasthan government’s counsel informed the court that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) had been formed to examine the suicides. However, the court remained unconvinced, questioning the effectiveness of the state’s response and demanding concrete action.
Supreme Court’s Warning
The bench made it clear that authorities must act swiftly and responsibly. It warned that failure to comply with its directives could lead to contempt proceedings against officials responsible for investigating these cases.
The Bigger Picture
Kota, known as India’s coaching hub, has witnessed a disturbing trend of student suicides over the years. The intense pressure of competitive exams, coupled with inadequate mental health support, has created a crisis that demands urgent intervention. The Supreme Court’s scrutiny of the Rajasthan government signals a critical moment in addressing this issue.
The court’s intervention has put the spotlight on the mental health challenges faced by students, urging authorities to take meaningful steps to prevent further tragedies. Whether this leads to policy changes or better support systems remains to be seen, but the urgency of the matter is undeniable.
