‘Deeply distressing’: Supreme Court issues guidelines to curb student suicides in educational institutions

In a significant move to address the growing mental health crisis among students, the Supreme Court of India has expressed serious concern over the increasing number of student suicides, calling the trend ‘deeply distressing’.

The apex court has issued a set of directions aimed at educational institutions and governments to create a more supportive environment for students.

A Deeply Distressing Student Suicide Crisis

Citing NCRB data, the SC highlighted the alarming rise in student suicides, from 5,425 in 2001 to 13,044 in 2022, describing this as a ‘systemic failure that cannot be ignored’.

15 Binding Pan India Guidelines Issued

These rules apply to all educational institutions including schools, colleges, universities, coaching centres, hostels, and training institutes.

Uniform Mental Health Policy Mandated

Institutions must adopt a policy based on ‘UMMEED’ draft guidelines, the ‘Manodarpan’ initiative, and the National Suicide Prevention Strategy. The policy should be reviewed annually and made public via websites and notice boards.

Mandatory Mental Health Professionals

Institutions with 100+ students must appoint a qualified counsellor/psychologist/social worker trained in child/adolescent mental health. Smaller institutions must set up formal referral links to external professionals.

Dedicated Mentors During Critical Periods

Institutions should assign counsellors or mentors to smaller batches during exam seasons or academic transitions for accessible, confidential support.

Prohibition On Performance-Based Segregation

Coaching institutes and schools must refrain from segregating students by academic performance, shaming them publicly, or imposing disproportionate targets beyond capabilities.

Suicide Helpline Protocols

Every institution must display helpline numbers, including Tele MANAS, in hostels, classrooms, common areas, and on websites in large, legible print.

Infrastructure Safeguards In Residential Setups

Residential institutions must install tamper proof ceiling fans or equivalent and restrict access to rooftops, balconies, or high-risk areas to prevent impulsive self-harm.

Staff Mental Health Training

All teaching and non-teaching staff must receive mandatory training at least twice a year, covering psychological first aid, warning signs, self-harm response, and appropriate referral strategies.

Institution-Level Grievance Redressal Mechanisms

Institutions must set up confidential, accessible systems to report and address incidents like harassment, ragging, bullying, and discrimination, with immediate psychosocial support and zero tolerance for retaliation.

Regulation Of Coaching Centres

All States and Union Territories must notify rules within two months to register private coaching centres and mandate student protection norms and grievance mechanisms.

Centre To Submit Compliance Affidavit

The central government must file a compliance affidavit within 90 days, outlining implementation steps and monitoring mechanisms. The matter is scheduled for review on October.

Guidelines Remain Binding Until Legislation Enacted

The SC clarified these measures shall remain in force and binding under Article 141 until Parliament or State authorities enact appropriate laws or regulatory frameworks