New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday took serious note of the rising cases of suicides and mental health issues among students across India and issued comprehensive pan-India guidelines to address the crisis in educational institutions, coaching centers, and other student-focused environments.
A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta pointed out a significant “legislative and regulatory vacuum” in the country regarding a unified and enforceable framework to prevent student suicides. Until appropriate laws or regulations are enacted, the court ordered 15 guidelines to be binding on all educational institutions nationwide.
All educational bodies are required to implement a uniform mental health policy inspired by existing frameworks such as the “Ummeed” draft guidelines, the “Manodarpan” initiative, and the National Suicide Prevention Strategy. The court emphasized that this policy should be reviewed annually and made publicly accessible via institutional websites and notice boards.
The court recognized the Centre’s ongoing preventive efforts, including the Ministry of Education’s 2023 “Ummeed” draft aimed at curbing student suicides, and the “Manodarpan” initiative launched during the COVID-19 pandemic to support students’ mental well-being.
The Supreme Court mandated that all educational institutions with 100 or more students must appoint or engage at least one qualified counselor, psychologist, or social worker trained in child and adolescent mental health. Smaller institutions must establish formal referral links with external mental health professionals.
Residential institutions were instructed to install tamper-proof ceiling fans or equivalent safety devices and restrict access to rooftops, balconies, and other high-risk areas to prevent impulsive self-harm attempts.
